“If it leads you to battery, my young friend--” was his private comment. To Mr. Bazalguet he whispered, “The fellow's got scholarship. We might give these back, I think.” Mr. Bazalguet was only too happy, and Glyde saw his offspring returned. Sergeant Weeks, safe in Mr. Fortnaby's good opinion, scrupulously wrapped and tied them. Mr. Fortnaby said, “Let them go back to his landlady,” and caught the prisoner's eye. It was now time to ask him whether he had anything to say. Glyde, perfectly master of himself, said that he pleaded Guilty, but would like to put a few questions. The Chairman, biting the tips of his fingers, nodded; and Mr. Fortnaby watched him. Facing Ingram, who looked always to the Chairman, Glyde asked--“Did you dismiss your servant, as you put it, before I met you, or afterwards?” All eyes flew from Glyde to Ingram. “Actually, afterwards,” it was explained. “But the thing was understood before.” “By whom?” “By me,” said Ingram, “and--” He stopped there. A very interesting struggle, momentary, and done in silence, took place. Glyde was daring Ingram to bring in Sanchia's name, and Ingram could not do it. “And--?” said Glyde. “And by whom?” Ingram paused, biting his lips. He was pale. He took a long breath, and then said, “And by you, I have no doubt.” “Thank you,” Glyde said. Then he began again. “Did you ask me to fight with you?” “I believe I did.” “And I refused?” “Yes,” said Ingram, “you did.” “Did I say that I didn't fight with dogs?” Ingram smiled at the Chairman. “You did not.” “I say so now,” said Glyde, and stirred the Court. Mr. Bazalguet interfered. “You mustn't talk like that, Glyde. We can't have it, you know.” Colonel Vero added, “Certainly not,” and stretched his long legs out. Glyde recovered himself, and begged pardon. He was told that he might go on, in reason, but declined. “Thank you, sir. I think I'll leave it so. I own to what I did.” He was told that he could be dealt with summarily, or sent for trial. “I'll take it from you, gentlemen,” he said, and settled himself reposefully. The Bench drew together, with the Clerk intervening. Mr. Bazalguet, double-chinned and comfortable squire, was disturbed by this case. What troubled him was that Ingram had not been straightforward. What was this dismissal of a servant? He knew, and therefore he asked the question. Fortnaby knew also, but didn't intend to say. Everybody, indeed, knew. Romance appeals to us all in diverse ways; and it was actually romance which settled Clyde's romantic affair.