Page:The Death-Doctor.djvu/301

Rh "I know that man's name, and the reason of his visit," was my cool reply. "The fact is, I heard your voices raised and I was compelled to listen—to hear those allegations he made against you."

"By Heaven!" he gasped, sinking back in his chair. "Then—then you know!"

I nodded in the affirmative.

"But you can surely trust me with your secret, Mr. Farnell?" I exclaimed. "Indeed, if I can be of any service I will act most willingly. You may rely upon my entire discretion."

He looked straight at me for some moments without replying. His face had grown pale, and a curious, haggard expression showed in his eyes.

"Ah!" he sighed at last. "If you only could help me. My poor wife—and poor Edith! The blow will be terrible to them, if I stand in the dock at the Old Bailey."

"But you won't; you'll pay."

"I've promised to pay, but the worst of it is. I can't. Lately I've been very hard hit, and I've only about five thousand at the bank. That's useless."

"Then how do you propose to act?" I inquired in a low voice.