Read Put on the Armour of Light for Free Online

formulated. They named three men who were likely to help, divided the list between themselves, and agreed upon the tenor of the approach to each one. Dr. Skene would address the need for legal defense by asking Blakeley Campbell to lunch with him the next day. Skene walked Charles to the door and they greeted the others, who were still relaxing on the verandah.
    Maggie said, “I’m glad you’ve finally come out. All our problems are solved. Trevor has agreed to post the bail money and pay for a lawyer.” She made a triumphant gesture toward Trevor, who was now standing, hat in hand.
    â€œGood gracious, Mr. Martland,” Dr. Skene said. “We couldn’t ask this of you. If Mr. McEvoy is less of a man than we think he is, you might be out of pocket. And anyway, won’t your father look rather askance at your paying for the defence of someone who is accused of murdering his business partner?”
    â€œThe money in my trust fund is my own to do with as I please, sir,” said Trevor, his face now flushed. “I’ve studied the presumption of innocence and the right to a full defence. They shouldn’t just be abstract concepts, should they?”
    â€œNo, though too often they are. But are you sure, Trevor? Your father won’t object too strenuously?” Charles said. The boy had a funny look on his face for a second that was quickly replaced by a roguish smile.
    â€œWell, sir, my father is always pressing me to take my legal studies more seriously. This may not be exactly what he had in mind, but I’ll certainly have some stake in Mr. McEvoy’s appearance at the bar of justice. And anyway, Maggie says there’s no evidence that Mr. McEvoy intended to kill Mr. Asseltine. It may all have been a terrible accident.”
    â€œThat is certainly our hope,” Charles said as he exchanged a glance with Dr. Skene. “Well then, Trevor, if you’re absolutely sure, we accept your offer. It’s extremely generous, really. I can’t thank you enough. I suppose the first order of business is to find a lawyer. Dr. Skene will be seeing Blakeley Campbell about that tomorrow and perhaps we should both join him.”
    â€œI’m at your disposal, Dr. Skene. Just let me know when and where,” said Trevor.
    They arranged a time for lunch the following day, to be confirmed with Blakeley Campbell. Charles felt that Peter’s condition was sufficiently fragile that they should proceed with the bail application as soon as a lawyer could be assigned, tomorrow afternoon if possible. When the discussion had concluded, Trevor bid them all goodnight in turn, leaving Maggie for last and whispering something to her that the others could not hear.
    As they watched Trevor step up into his trim, four-seater phaeton and glide away from the curb, geeing softly to his horse, Aunt Jessie asked Maggie to come inside and help her settle on the menus for the next three days. The girl complied, after a reluctant glance at Charles and Dr. Skene. The two men were alone on the verandah as dark blue clouds enveloped the last traces of pink in the western sky.
    â€œWell, that was rather a surprise. Imagine young Martland riding to our rescue,” said Dr. Skene.
    â€œYes. You don’t suppose …”
    â€œSuppose what?”
    â€œWell, you don’t think he did it to please Maggie, do you? He’s been buzzing around her a lot these last few weeks; why, I don’t know. He should be spending time with his law books and not lollygagging on verandahs with girls who are too young for that sort of thing.”
    â€œCharles, you’ve suddenly aged about forty years,” Dr. Skene said, laughing. “They’re just friends. They discuss everything from suffrage reform to the finer points of lacrosse. I’m sure Maggie enjoys the attention and all the trappings that a wealthy young man brings, but it doesn’t amount to much more than