‘I fancy the charge must be heard some time. We gain nothing by delay,’ said Beattie, in a low tone. Mr. Corker gravely unfolded his _pro forma_ brief, and placed it before Mr. Beattie, with his finger laid impressively on the title of that document. The other smiled, and, taking up a pen, added the words, ‘For Forgery and Uttering a Forged Draft--Mr. Corker--five guineas.’ This little point having been satisfactorily settled, the new charge was formally made, and Dr. Mackenzie had the satisfaction of telling his story in the witness-box. His evidence was evidently that of an honest man, and it told fatally against Alec. Mr. Corker fairly earned his fresh fee, bullying the witness, the counsel for the prosecution, and the magistrate impartially, and loudly contending that as the draft was lost, the evidence was totally insufficient to convict the defendant. But Mr. Mallison, like many men who have no great strength of mind, was obstinate. He was convinced that a gigantic fraud had been attempted, and he was resolved that the case should go before a jury. Besides, he was getting angry at Mr. Corker’s scornful tone and arrogant manner. ‘There,’ he said, as he signed the warrant of commitment; ‘he’s fully committed. I suppose you will now conclude your argument, Mr. Corker?’ The barrister dashed the book he was quoting from on the table before him. ‘I apply that the defendant may be admitted to bail,’ he said. ‘I am prepared with bail to any reasonable amount.’ The magistrate shook his head. ‘I know Mr. Lindsay well. I will become his bail for twenty thousand pounds,’ said a voice from the body of the court. Alec’s pale face flushed with pleasure. It was Blake who had spoken. But Mr. Mallison had once more made up his mind, and was now immovable. ‘Who are you, sir? The defendant has one counsel, and that is enough,’ he said to Blake. ‘The case is too important to admit of my considering the question of bail,’ he added. ‘Half a million sterling, I think you said, Dr. Mackenzie?’ ‘Half a million, sir.’ ‘Couldn’t think of bail for a moment.’ Mr. Champneys gathered up his books and papers. Mr. Corker, very much disgusted with the turn matters had taken, pushed his way out of court. A policeman touched Alec Lindsay on the shoulder and led him away. CHAPTER XXX. ALEC’S FRIENDS VISIT HIM. It was not until the evening of the following day that a letter from Hubert Blake arrived at the Castle Farm. Alec himself had not written; for Blake had assured him that he would write at once, and would say all that was necessary. As soon as Alec’s father opened the letter and read its opening words, Margaret, who was watching him, saw a change come into his face. She dropped her work and clasped her hands, nerving herself for the bad news which she was sure had come.