The Advocate laid his pen down. "I think we are playing at cross
purposes," said he, "which you will find to prove a very ill
amusement for yourself."

"I content myself with following your lordship's advice, and
answering what I am asked," said I.

"Be so wise as to bethink yourself in time," said he, "I use you
with the most anxious tenderness, which you scarce seem to
appreciate, and which (unless you be more careful) may prove to be
in vain."

"I do appreciate your tenderness, but conceive it to be mistaken,"
I replied, with something of a falter, for I saw we were come to
grips at last. "I am here to lay before you certain information,
by which I shall convince you Alan had no hand whatever in the
killing of Glenure."

The Advocate appeared for a moment at a stick, sitting with pursed
lips, and blinking his eyes upon me like an angry cat. "Mr.
Balfour," he said at last, "I tell you pointedly you go an ill way
for your own interests."

"My lord," I said, "I am as free of the charge of considering my
own interests in this matter as your lordship. As God judges me, I
have but the one design, and that is to see justice executed and
the innocent go clear. If in pursuit of that I come to fall under
your lordship's displeasure, I must bear it as I may."

At this he rose from his chair, lit a second candle, and for a