“‘As to that, I have endeavored to do to others as I would have them do to me. I think it is a good rule not to speak at all about our neighbors unless we can say something in their favor. We all have faults, and we are not so apt to discover our own as we are to detect those of others. Miss Clattermouth and her friend, Miss Tadpoddle, really believe that Viola is a murderess; they think that they are discharging nothing more than a plain duty when they try to convince other people that it is true. But let us change the subject--we must discuss our plans for the future. When can you start for Vicksburg?’ “‘To-morrow morning, if you wish it; you are my commander-in-chief now, and you will find me always obedient.’ “‘Thank you; make it to-morrow then.’ “‘Let me understand exactly what I am going for.’ “‘A few miles from the city of Vicksburg you will find a widow lady residing on a farm--her name is Fanny Totten. This lady had a daughter named Victoria, who eloped with a man of disreputable character many years ago. Now you must find out the name of the man with whom she eloped, and get some one who was acquainted with Victoria Totten to come to Memphis to testify to her identity. You must take plenty of funds with you to defray all expenses; I want you, if possible, to secure one of her pictures and bring it to me; also procure some of her manuscript--anything which will enable an expert to identify her handwriting. You will have to be very cautious or you will arouse the suspicion of Miss Totten’s friends. This woman has been traveling under various names, and you must commence at her mother’s house and trace her to every place where she has been since she left her mother’s roof. I don’t think you will find any difficulty in that respect, for she has not covered up her tracks quite as well as she might have done.’ “‘Is she the one you think committed the murder?’ “‘Ask me no questions and I’ll tell you no falsehoods. Do what I bid you and wait for the result.’ “‘Lottie, you are a real lawyer, and I hope you will clear your client; but the evidence against Viola rises higher and higher every day, and it will be an up-hill business.’ “‘I dare say you are right in regard to the up-hill part, but as to my being a lawyer, I make no pretensions in that line--I merely wish to serve my friend; but let that pass, and tell me what is this new evidence which you say has been resurrected.’ “‘Have you not heard it?’ “‘Not from a source entitled to much credit. I want to hear it from you.’ “‘Another witness--a respectable gentleman--will swear that he met Miss Bramlett at Ben Bowles’ private apartment late at night about ten days before her brother was murdered.’ “‘The man who swears that will commit perjury, and shall be punished for it.’ “‘I must be permitted to remind you that Miss Tadpoddle will also swear that Viola was there.’ “‘I never shall believe she will swear it until I hear her do it with my own ears.’