Page:The Millbank Case - 1905 - Eldridge.djvu/266

 "Do not think me ungrateful, if I decline to answer. I would trust you with everything, but the secret belongs to others no less than myself."

"Mr. Matthewson," said Trafford seriously, "it is not pleasant to have to play hide and seek with you. I've had to remind you once before that the inquest is public. If I have this question asked there, you'll have to answer or"

"Go to jail," Matthewson said, completing the sentence. "I know. I've thought of that. I shouldn't answer."

Matthewson drummed on the table and looked at his companion. Even his political power could not shield him from the consequence of a refusal to answer a question put to him at the inquest on such a murder as this. Surely the cause must be a serious one that induced him even to think of such an act. Trafford took up another line:

"Have you thought that if you were summoned and refused to testify, it would be necessary for the government to supply as best it could the want of your testimony Have you thought that in doing so, it could not be dainty as to means, and that it