Page:Paul Clifford Vol 3.djvu/282

274 retired from the witness-box, "scotched," perhaps in reputation, but not "killed," as to testimony. It was just before this witness concluded, that Lord Mauleverer caused to be handed to the Judge a small slip of paper, containing merely these words in pencil:—

",—A dinner waits you at Mauleverer Park, only three miles hence. Lord and the Bishop of  meet you. Plenty of news from London, and a letter about you, which I will show to no one till we meet. Make haste and hang this poor fellow, that I may see you the sooner; and it is bad for both of us to wait long for a regular meal like dinner. I can't stay longer, it is so hot, and my nerves were always susceptible.
 * "Yours,

"If you will come, give me a nod. You know my hour,—it's always the same."

The Judge, glancing over the note, inclined his head gravely to the Earl, who withdrew; and in one minute afterwards, a heavy and breathless