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Aunt Jane's Nieces Out West

"

"Never mind," said Patsy resignedly. "Perhaps we shall find him a better

judge than you are lawyer."

"He has had more experience, anyhow," said Colby, much amused at the

shot.

They found, on arriving at court, that the case had already been

postponed. They drove to the jail and obtained permission to see the

prisoner, who was incarcerated under the name of "Jack Andrews, alias A.

Jones." Maud would have liked a private audience, but the lawyer was

present as well as Patsy and Mr. Merrick, and she did not like to ask

them to go away.

The boy greeted them with his old frank smile and did not seem in the

least oppressed by the fact that he was a prisoner accused of an ugly

crime. The interview was held in a parlor of the jail, a guard standing

by the door but discreetly keeping out of earshot.

Colby first informed the boy of the postponement of his formal

examination and then submitted to his client an outline of the defense he

had planned. Jones listened quietly and shook his head.

"Is that the best you can do for me?"

"With my present knowledge, yes," returned the lawyer.

"And will it clear me from this suspicion?" was the next question.

"I hope so."

"You are not sure?"

"This is an extraordinary case, Mr. Jones. Your friends all believe you

innocent, but the judge wants facts--cold, hard facts--and only these

will influence him. Mr. Le Drieux, commissioned by the Austrian

government, states that you are Jack Andrews, and have escaped to America

after having stolen the pearls of a noble Viennese lady. He will offer,

as evidence to prove his assertion, the photograph and the pearls. You

must refute this charge with counter-evidence, in order to escape

extradition and a journey to the country where the crime was committed.

There you will be granted a regular trial, to be sure, but even if you

then secure an acquittal you will have suffered many indignities and your

good name will be permanently tarnished."

"Well, sir?"

"I shall work unceasingly to secure your release at the examination.

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