Page:Gaskell--A dark night's work.djvu/281

270 base defence. But the judge did give some hope, to my mind, though there are others that think differently.”

“I tell you, Mr. Johnson, he must not die, and he shall not. To whom must I go?”

“Whew! Have you got additional evidence?” with a sudden sharp glance of professional inquiry.

“Never mind,” Ellinor answered. “I beg your pardon … only tell me into whose hands the power of life and death has passed.”

“Into the Home Secretary’s—Sir Phillip Homes; but you cannot get access to him on such an errand. It is the judge who tried the case that must urge a reprieve—Judge Corbet.”

“Judge Corbet?”

“Yes; and he was rather inclined to take a merciful view of the whole case. I saw it in his charge. He’ll be the person for you to see. I suppose you don’t like to give me your confidence, or else I could arrange and draw up what will have to be said?”

“No. What I have to say must be spoken to the arbiter—to no one else. I am afraid I answered you impatiently just now. You must forgive me; if you knew all, I am sure you would.”

“Say no more, my dear lady. We will suppose you have some evidence not adduced at the trial. Well; you must go up and see the judge, since you