"No need to use strong language, Mr. Mallalieu," he said deprecatingly, as he calmly proceeded to divest the other hand. "No need at all, sir--between friends and gentlemen, Mr. Mallalieu!--things are a lot worse. The coroner's jury has returned a verdict of wilful murder--against you!" Mallalieu's big face turned of a queer grey hue--that word murder was particularly distasteful to him. "Against me!" he muttered. "Why me particularly? There were two of us charged. What about Cotherstone?" "I'm talking about the inquest" said Christopher. "They don't charge anybody at inquests--they only inquire in general. The verdict's against you, and you only. And--it was Cotherstone's evidence that did it!" "Cotherstone!" exclaimed Mallalieu. "Evidence against me! He's a liar if----" "I'll tell you--all in due order," interrupted Chris. "Be calm, Mr. Mallalieu, and listen--be judicial." But in spite of this exhortation, Mallalieu fumed and fretted, and when Christopher had told him everything he looked as if it only required a little resolution on his part to force himself to action. "I've a good mind to go straight out o' this place and straight down to the police!" he growled. "I have indeed!--a great mind to go and give myself up, and have things proved." "Do!" said Christopher, heartily. "I wish you would, sir. It 'ud save me and my poor aunt a world of trouble. Only--it's my duty as a duly qualified solicitor of the High Court to inform you that every step you take from this haven of refuge will be a step towards the--gallows!" Mallalieu shrank back in his chair and stared at Mr. Pett's sharp features. His own blanched once more. "You're sure of that?" he demanded hoarsely. "Certain!" replied Christopher. "No doubt of it, sir. I know!" "What's to be done, then?" asked the captive. Christopher assumed his best consultation-and-advice manner. "What," he said at last, "in my opinion, is the best thing is to wait and see what happens when Cotherstone's brought up before the bench next Tuesday. You're safe enough until then--so long as you do what we tell you. Although all the country is being watched and searched, there's not the ghost of a notion that you're in Highmarket. So remain as content as you can, Mr. Mallalieu, and as soon as we learn what takes place next Tuesday, we'll see about that plan of ours." "Let's be knowing what it is," grumbled Mallalieu. "Not quite matured, sir, yet," said Christopher as he rose and picked up the silk hat and the kid gloves. "But when it is, you'll say--ah, you'll say it's a most excellent one!"