“‘Mr. Wallingford, you have learned the lawyer’s habit early, I perceive--you have commenced a sort of cross-examination before the examination in chief has been gone through with. You lawyers have a way of setting your pumps to work on a fellow so as to draw out information which in some instances ought not to be exposed so soon--but in this particular case, I trust you will not consider me rude or discourteous if I decline to be cross-examined. It is our business to examine people, and not to suffer ourselves to be examined by them; you need not trouble yourself to put questions to me; I’ll furnish you with such information as I think you ought to have, and withhold such as ought to be withheld.’ “Harry bit his lips with vexation. “‘I suppose, Mr. Dabbs, I ought to submit to such conditions as you may choose to propose; and I shall do it very cheerfully if it will aid in unearthing this mystery.’ “‘So far as mystery is concerned, Mr. Wallingford, I must at once undeceive you; I have as yet encountered no mystery at all--on the contrary, I think the case unusually plain--don’t you, Mr. Tadpoddle?’ “‘Unquestionably, unquestionably, Mr. Dabbs; I never saw a plainer case in my life--evidence ample to convict; never saw a better chain of circumstantial evidence; overwhelming, overwhelming, sir--no use to hesitate; no mistake here. My sister’s statement settles the question beyond doubt. I presume, Mr. Wallingford, you know my sister, Miss Jemima Tadpoddle?’ “‘No,’ said Harry, his face reddening with impatience, ‘I am sorry to say I have not had the honor to know Miss Tadpoddle.’ “‘Indeed, sir! that’s unfortunate; I must avail myself of the pleasure to introduce you to my sister; a most remarkable woman, sir--rather masculine in her views, but sensible and prudent. We are indebted to her for our success in this case. The fact is, Mr. Wallingford, I am indebted to my remarkable sister for my success in life generally. She would be delighted to know you, and I dare say you would be much pleased with her. She would be able to advise you in this business, no doubt, as her judgment may be relied on; but let that pass for the present. What was it you were about to observe, Mr. Wallingford?’ “‘I was about to ask a question; but then I remembered that you and Mr. Dabbs had intimated a wish not to be questioned.’ “‘Oh, not at all, sir; you misunderstand us entirely. We don’t prohibit questions--we only decline to be examined like an ordinary witness in court. Ask as many questions as you please--we’ll only answer such as we choose.’ “Then Mr. Tadpoddle threw himself back in his chair, put the small eye on duty, and waited for the question. “‘If you have any communication to make in regard to the discoveries you have made, I should like to hear them now!’