Soldier of the Horse Read Online Free Page B

desk was Tom’s father, Bill, and behind the desk, in a tall, ornate chair, was Court of Appeal Justice George Paterson. Paterson had once been Bill’s lawyer.
    On the wall behind the judge was the Manitoba coat of arms; paintings of buffalo and Native encampments were hung on the other three sides of the room.
    Paterson nodded at the policemen. “That will be all, gentlemen.” They left, shutting the door behind them with a barely audible click.
    Paterson stood, not a tall man, but an imposing, portly figure in waistcoat, striped trousers, and wing collar, with his robe tossed casually across a side table. He held out his hand and Tom shook it, not knowing what to expect. The judge steered him and Evans to chairs, then returned to his own.
    â€œThis is rather unusual. I’m sure you’re wondering why you’re here,” said Paterson, as Tom glanced from the judge to his father. “Your father and your counsel,” he continued, nodding at Evans, “have brought me up to date on the charges you face. I’m discussing this with you, by the way, out of respect for your father and of course I know John Evans well. But if any aspect of this matter reaches the Court of Appeal I will excuse myself and leave the field to my brother judges. So much for the formalities. From what I understand, the police, in spite of the charges they have laid, do not have a strong case against you. Their theory is that you filed the serial numbers off a gun, then smuggled it in to Kravenko.”
    â€œI didn’t smuggle any gun. Or file off any serial numbers.”
    â€œI’ll take your word on that, for the sake of our present discussion,” Paterson said, frowning. “I understand, however, that a Colt hammerless automatic, probably the weapon Kravenko used in his escape, was stolen from Ashdown’s Hardware by persons unknown. I also understand,” and he flashed a glance at Evans, “that it was delivered to Zink’s office. And that you, Zink, and Mr. Evans here visited Kravenko in his cell some time after that.”
    Paterson went on to recount what Tom already knew from Evans. He added, “I have just learned that a court clerk, who had been working late and chanced by, was shot by Kravenko after he descended from the top floor of the jail. The clerk identified Bloody Jack as the man who shot him. I also know that Inspector Boyle, the officer in charge, wants to see you all in Stony Mountain. You should know that Zink is a dangerous man—and a very capable one. In order to save his own skin he’s pointing the finger in all directions, but most specifically at you, Tom.”
    The mention of Stony Mountain sent a shiver up Tom’s spine. An overnight cell in the police lockup was one thing. Stony Mountain Penitentiary was quite another.
    Tom’s father leaned forward and spoke. “Judge Paterson has a proposition for you.”
    Tom looked at the judge.
    â€œTom, your law career may be over. Inspector Boyle is convinced you were involved in the jailbreak and will hound you until he gets a conviction. Even if you avoid him and are not convicted of anything, I doubt that the Law Society would ever admit you. Dirt will stick to you as this fiasco unfolds, and the leaders of the Law Society are not known for their generosity in admitting men of doubtful character.”
    Tom felt blood rush to his face. He had been dragged into a courtroom and embarrassed, and that was bad enough. Now here was a judge of the highest court in the province implying he was a dupe or worse.
    Paterson’s gaze flicked across a framed photograph on the side table. “There is a way out. With honour, that will wipe the slate clean. The British Empire is in the utmost need of men in Europe. My own son . . .” He paused, and Tom looked more closely at the photograph—a young man in an officer’s uniform. He glanced back at the judge, whose face had