"How? Because I advised your counsel, Thorne, and he was present when
the order releasing you was signed. It was his duty, not mine, to
communicate with you. I represented the people; he was the counsel for
the defence."
"Thorne--Thorne knew...." cried Miriam.
"Yes, Thorne knew...." admitted Murgatroyd.
"... and he never told us," came finally from Challoner's lips.
"Possibly he didn't dare," explained Murgatroyd, with an enigmatical
smile. "Just at that time, Thorne and Thorne's crowd held the public in
the hollow of their hands. So perhaps," he added sarcastically, "the
news about Pemmican was suppressed for the public good."
"And you--" spoke up Shirley, her eyes flashing, but got no further, for
Murgatroyd went on addressing Challoner.
"I had no trouble, then, of course, in setting you free."
Challoner blinked stupidly at the prosecutor, but Miriam's face at once
was wreathed in smiles; for she knew that their future happiness was
assured--that the name of Challoner would be cleared of its stain.
But Shirley was not yet satisfied. And her eyes were blazing as she
exclaimed hotly:--
"It was not you who set him free! The law set him free! He was innocent,
and----" She paused and drew a deep breath before going on: "You took a
million dollars to set him free!"
Murgatroyd rose suddenly, and turning to Mrs. Challoner, he said with
great earnestness:--
"This is the second time this charge has been made against me: once at
the trial, and again here. You understand the nature of this charge?" he
asked Shirley, looking her full in the eyes. "What proofs have you?"