Miss Belton departed,
followed by the detective, whose services were promptly
transferred to the prosecution, and by a proportion of
those who scented further entertainment in her perfumed,
perjured wake. But the majority hung back, leaving their
places slowly; it was Lorne the crowd wanted to shake
hands with to say just a word of congratulation to,
Lorne's triumph that they desired to enhance by a hearty
sentence, or at least an admiring glance. Walter Winter
was among the most genial.
"Young man," he said, "what did I tell you? Didn't I tell
you you ought to take this case?" Mr Winter, with his
chest thrust out, plumed and strutted in justifiable
pride of prophecy. "Now, I'll tell you another thing:
today's event will do more for you than it has for
Ormiston. Mark my words!"
They were all of that opinion, all the fine foretellers
of the profit Lorne should draw from his spirited and
conspicuous success; they stood about in knots discussing
it; to some extent it eclipsed the main interest and
issue of the day, at that moment driving out, free and
disconsolate, between the snake fences of the South Riding
to Moneida Reservation. The quick and friendly sense of
opportunity was abroad on Lorne Murchison's behalf;
friends and neighbours and Dr Drummond, and people who
hardly knew the fellow, exchanged wise words about what
his chance would do for him.
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