brought against the X-ray News.

X

The case for the prosecution was opened

by Sir Mortimer Inglewood, KC. He was

dignified and full of righteous indignation.

Mrs. Ferrier was the victim of an infamous

plot—a plot only to be equalled by the

famous case of the Queen's Necklace

familiar to readers of Alexandre Dumas.

That plot had been engineered to lower

Queen Marie Antoinette in the eyes of the

• W

populace. This plot, also, had been engineered

to discredit a noble and virtuous

lady who was in this country in the position

of Caesar's wife. Sir Mortimer spoke with

bitter disparagement of Fascists and Communists

both of whom sought to undermine

Democracy by every unfair machination

known. He then proceeded to call witnesses.

The first was the Bishop ofNorthumbria.

Dr. Henderson, the Bishop of Northumbria

was one of the best-known figures

in the English church, a man of great

saintliness and integrity of character. He

was broadminded, tolerant, and a fine

preacher. He was loved and revered by

all who knew him.

He went into the box and swore that

between the dates mentioned Mrs. Edward

Ferrier had been staying in the Palace with

himself and his wife. Worn out by her

activities in good works, she had been

recommended a thorough rest. Her visit

had been kept a secret so as to obviate any

worry from the Press.

An eminent doctor followed the Bishop

and deposed to having ordered Mrs. Ferrier

rest and complete absence from worry.

198

A local general practitioner gave evidence

to the effect that he had attended Mrs.

Ferrier at the Palace.

The next witness called was Thelma

Andersen.

A thrill went round the Court when she

entered the witness-box. Everyone realised

at once what a strong resemblance the

woman bore to Mrs. Edward Ferrier.

"Your name is Thelma Andersen ?"

"Yes."

"You are a Danish subject ?"

"Yes. Copenhagen is my home."

"And you formerly worked at a cafe

there ?"

"Yes, sir."

"Please tell us in your own words what

happened on the i8th March last."

"There is a gentleman who comes to my

table there — an English gentleman. He

tells me he works for an English paper —

the X-ray News."

"You are sure he mentioned that name

— X-ray News ?"

"Yes, I am sure—because, you see, I

think at first it must be a medical paper.

But no, it seems not so. Then he tells me

there is an English film actress who wants

LOH14 199

to find a 'stand-in', and that I am just the

type. I do not go to the pictures much,

and I do not recognise the name he says,

but he tells me, yes, she is very famous,

and that she has not been well and so she

wants someone to appear as her in public

places, and for that she will pay very much

money."

"How much money did this gentleman

offer you ?"

"Five hundred pounds in English money.

I do not at first believe — I think it is some