So Mallalieu had to wait until the next Tuesday came round. He did the waiting impatiently and restlessly. He ate, he drank, he slept--slept as he had never slept in his life--but he knew that he was losing flesh from anxiety. It was with real concern that he glanced at Christopher when that worthy returned from the adjourned case on the Tuesday afternoon. His face fell when he saw that Christopher was gloomier than ever. "Worse and worse, Mr. Mallalieu!" whispered Christopher mysteriously when he had shut the door. "Everything's against you, sir. It's all centring and fastening on you. What do you think happened? Cotherstone's discharged!" "What!" exclaimed Mallalieu, jumping in his chair. "Discharged! Why, then, they'd have discharged me!" Christopher laid his finger on the side of his nose. "Would they?" he said with a knowing wink. "Not much they wouldn't. Cotherstone's let loose--to give evidence against you. When you're caught!" Mallalieu's small eyes began to bulge, and a dull red to show on his cheek. He looked as if he were bursting with words which he could not get out, and Christopher Pett hastened to improve the occasion. "It's my opinion it's all a plant!" he said. "A conspiracy, if you like, between Cotherstone and the authorities. Cotherstone, he's got the smartest solicitor in Norcaster and the shrewdest advocate on this circuit--you know 'em, Mr. Mallalieu--Stilby's the solicitor, and Gradston the barrister--and it strikes me it's a put-up job. D'ye see through it? First of all, Cotherstone gives evidence at that inquest: on his evidence a verdict of murder is returned against--you! Now Cotherstone's discharged by the magistrates--no further evidence being offered against him. Why? So that he can give evidence before the magistrates and at the Assizes against--you! That is--when you're caught." "They've got to catch me yet," growled Mallalieu. "Now then--what about this plan of yours? For I'm going to wait no longer. Either you tell me what you're going to do for me, or I shall walk out o' that door as soon as it's dark tonight and take my chances. D'ye hear that?" Christopher rose, opened the door, and softly called Miss Pett. And Miss Pett came, took a seat, folded her thin arms, and looked attentively at her learned nephew. "Yes, sir," said Christopher, resuming the conversation, "I hear that--and we are now ready to explain plans and discuss terms. You will, of course, recompense us, Mr. Mallalieu?" "I've said all along that you'd not lose by me," retorted Mallalieu. "Aught in reason, I'll pay. But--this plan o' yours? I'm going to know what it is before we come to any question of paying. So out with it!"