No Defense, Complete

It was hard to protest his innocence, for the landlord was ready to swear concerning a quarrel he had seen wh

believe in Dyck Calhoun's guilt; that his outward habits were known to all, and were above suspicion, although he had collogued-though never secretly, so far as the world knew-with

mind was bemused. He remembered the quarrel, Boyne's explanation, and the subsequent drinking, but he could recall nothing further. He was sure the wine had been drugged, but he realized that Swinton, the landlord, would have made away with any signs of foul play, as he was himse

bly repugnant to him. He had not long been lodged in the cell when there came a v

orld knows. But there's one thing that'll be worse than anything else to you. You never knew it, and I never knew it till an hour ago. Did you know who Erris Boyne was? Well, I'll

un made a gesture of horror. "He

emorse roused him out o

ce hoarse, broken. "Don't say such a

k to see Mrs. Llyn and the beautiful daughter. I met him an hour ago, and he told me. He told me more. He told me Mrs. Llyn spoke to him of your friendship w

the cell, and stared at Michael, his han

of me is black. To tell the whole truth is to bring fresh shame upon Mrs. Llyn and her daughter, and

ll you this-none that knows you would believe

e sweat from

l, but it isn't people who've known me

if it'll

I can't. It would b

ll me wh

the French, to invoke his aid against the English government, to share in treason? If he could have told it to anybody, he would have done

have sure origin in himself. He would not add to his crime in killing the father of the only girl who had

by turning public opinion against Erris Boyne. The man had been killed by some one, perhaps-and the thing ached in his

foe; it made him do a stupid, if chivalrous, thing. Meanwhile he wou

's a mass of contradictions. It seems a thousand years since I entered that tavern! I can't get myself level with all that's happened. That Erris Boyne should be the father of the sweet girl at Lime

g queen!" inter

ike her in Ireland, or in

f one who had opened the door of hell and had realized that in t

is Boyne. What will come of what you and I know and don't know, Heaven only has knowledge; but I'll see it through. I've spoiled as good chances as ever a young man had that wants to make his way; but drink and cards, Michael, and the flare of this damned life at the centre-it got hold of me. It muddled, drowned the best that was in me. It's the witch's kitchen, is Dublin

wildness of youth-nothing at all. If anny one had said to me at Playmore that you'd do the things you've done with drink and cards since you come

y in my life. My mouth's like a red-hot iron. Send me some water. Give the warder sixpence, if

ok his head

long as Miles Calhoun lasts. There'll be little left for you, Mr. Dyck. That's what troubles me. I tell you it'd break my heart if that place should be lost to your father and you. I was born on it. I'd give the best years of the life that's left me to make sure the old house could stay in the hands of the Calhouns.

rrested for a crime. I'll fight-before God, I'll fight to the last! Good-

ll room, bare, unfurnished, severe-terribly severe; he looked at the blank walls and the barred window, high up; he looked at the floor-it

f it was her father, and if I killed him"-

er,

the guard with a tin