In the first place, you will observe, sir,
that no motive whatever has been found which would induce Halcro
Ericson to raise his hand against poor Colin Lothian. Now, on the
contrary--and I can prove this by witnesses if you wish--it is
certain that Kinlay had a quarrel with Lothian on the very day of
the murder. Lieutenant Fox, who was witness of that quarrel, will
be able to tell the reason of it. The reason was simply
this--nothing else but this, Mr. Thomson--that it was Colin who let
it out about the smuggling. It was what Lothian said in Oliver
Gray's inn that morning which led the officer to believe that
Carver Kinlay kept a store of illicit whisky in the Gaulton Cave.
Is that so, Mr. Fox?"
"It is quite true," said the officer.
"Now, it is useless to examine more witnesses in proof of what I
say. All that may be considered in detail when the case comes
before the procurator fiscal. But Mr. Drever has found one witness
whose evidence is of the greatest importance, and I will have that
witness called.
"Macfarlane, bring in Thora Kinlay.
"Ericson, my lad, sit down here with Mr. Drever."
Stepping towards the schoolmaster I faced the door through which
Macfarlane had disappeared, giving a pat of recognition to Colin
Lothian's dog as I passed it. And now that door was reopened, and
my dear school friend Thora came in.
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