Page:Hornung - Rogues March.djvu/117

Rh committed for his sake; forgive them, Lord, for the sake of Him whose Love passed the love of us poor women. Or let me never be forgiven, but save poor Tom from the most terrible death a man can die. Save him, O Lord; and forgive him too. And in Thy mercy, give me strength and time to atone to whomsoever I have wronged and deceived; then take me quickly, for my poor love’s sake. Amen.”

CHAPTER XIII

A FORLORN HOPE

a quarter to eleven next morning, before the adjourned examination had been many minutes in progress, a smart, slight gentleman was seen to shoulder his way into the well of the Marylebone police-office and touch the prosecuting barrister on the arm. The capable face, now a trifle flushed, was well known in that court, and at sight of it the learned counsel shrugged his shoulders and sat down. Thereupon the interloper bowed briskly to his worship, who had already recognised him with a sigh.

“Well, Mr. Bassett?”

“I must apologise to your worship for being late; but, in point of fact, I have just this minute been instructed for the defence.”

“Do I understand that you have not yet seen the prisoner with reference to the charge I am now hearing against him?”

“There has been no opportunity, your worship. Up