But the truth would send a man to his death; and so for the sake of that man's life he was driven into falsehood.
"I was on my way to see you," he said.
"At midnight ?" cried Sir Terence on a note of grim doubt.

"To what purpose ?" "Really, Sir Terence, if my word is not sufficient, I refuse to submit to cross-examination." Sir Terence turned to the sergeant of the guard, "How long is it since Captain Tremayne arrived ?" he asked.
The sergeant stood to attention.

"Captain Tremayne, sir, arrived rather more than half-an-hour ago.

He came in a curricle, which is still waiting at the gates." "Half-an-hour ago, eh ?" said Sir Terence, and from Colquhoun Grant there was a sharp and audible intake of breath, expressive either of understanding, or surprise, or both.

The adjutant looked at Tremayne again.