Part 31 (1/2)

Murgatroyd nodded.

”Here's their opinion--just handed down.”

”Reversal?”

Murgatroyd shook his head.

”No. Affirmed. By the way, Mixley,” he added, ”take this carbon copy over to Thorne, will you? He'll want to see it.”

”Shall I tell him?” faltered Mixley.

”Tell him nothing,” Murgatroyd replied. ”Officially I know nothing of this other thing. I'll investigate it first, then I can talk to him.”

That very day, Thorne, disappointed as he was, sent a copy of the opinion up to Mrs. Challoner, without comment. Later over the phone he told her:--

”There is no hope.”

But Miriam Challoner was not downcast. She had doubted once; but now she held to her faith in Murgatroyd; she knew that Murgatroyd would keep his word. s.h.i.+rley, though, shook her head. She felt that Challoner was doomed. But when Thorne told her, she begged him not to tell Challoner until it was absolutely necessary.

And also on that same day Murgatroyd jumped into a cab and rode off on a tour of private inspection. Entering a large building he asked:--

”I want to see Jennings, if you please.”

The next day he sent for Thorne.

”Before making things public, Thorne,” he said, ”I wanted you to read that.”

Thorne read with bulging eyes the yellow sheets that were thrust before him. Over and over again he read them; then he leaned over and touched Murgatroyd on the arm, saying:--

”Don't make it public.”

”Why not?”

”There are political reasons--many of them,” pleaded Thorne.

”But it's bound to leak out----”

”Never mind. I don't want it made public.” Thorne seemed terribly uneasy.

But again Murgatroyd persisted:--

”What of Mrs. Challoner?”

”I'll take care of Mrs. Challoner,” responded Thorne. ”Just leave the whole thing to me. I'll see that everything is done.”

”I'll go with you before the Court at any time you please,” said Murgatroyd.

And that very day they did go before the Court. The Court opened its eyes and heard what they had to say.

”Well, well!” exclaimed the Court.