e
brought him a degree further. In the last few days I made it my business
to acquaint myself, as far as possible, with the exact circumstances of
the tragedy, so far as they are known, and in course of my inquiries I
saw the housekeeper of the offices next door--the man who identified the
body as Denson's. He either could not, or would not, tell me very much,
but he _did_ say that you had been working in some way in connection
with the case, and that you knew as much of it as anybody. That gave me
an idea. This morning I told Mason that not only he, but I also had a
duty in respect to this matter, and my duty was to see that nothing in
connection with such a crime as this should be hushed up on any
consideration or for anybody's fancies. I said that if he liked he need
tell me no more, but might take _you_ into consultation professionally,
as your client, allowing me first to see you and to assure you that,
consistently with his own safety, he was anxious to further the ends of
justice. I said that, as your client, your first duty would be to
protect him, that your professional practice would keep your mouth
absolutely sealed, and that you already knew a good deal about the
crime--perhaps more than he suspected. I protested that this seemed to
me the very least he could do, and I warned him that if he refused to do
even this, I should have to consider whether it was consistent with my
character, as a clergyman and a loyal citizen, any longer to conceal the
fact that he was keeping back information that might lead to the
apprehension of the murderer. This frightened him, and between the fear
of the threat and the fear that you might already know more than he
suspected, he authorised me--he was even eager about it--to come and see
you; always, of course, under a pledge of strict professional secrecy."

"So far your account is quite clear, Mr. Potswood," Hewitt said. "You
have done your best, now I must do mine. You wish me to see Mason at
once, no doubt?"

"I arranged to bring you to his house, if you were willing and your
engagements permitted, at three this afternoon. Will that do? I have
been keeping you, I see--it is past one already. Will you lunch with me
at my club?"

"With great pleasure--more especially as I have a few questions to ask
as we go along. Is it far?"

"Just at this end of Pall Mall--we will walk, if you like."

"Tell me now," said Hewitt as they went, "anything you know about Mr.
Mason's habit