"His widowed mother was a trump, you know."

"Do you mean a good woman."

"Doubtless she was; but I mean a good card. However, there was
another reason."

"I can't see any," declared Mrs. Hilary.

"I'm going to surprise you," said I. "Hilary interceded for
him."

"Hilary?"

"You didn't know it? I thought not. Well, he did."

"Why, he always pretended to want him to be convicted."

"Cunning Hilary!" said I.

"He used to speak most strongly against him."

"That was his guile," said I.

"Oh, but why in the world--?" she began; then she paused, and
went on again: "It was nothing to do with Hilary."

"Hilary went with me to see him, you know, while they had him
under lock and key at the firm's offices."