"No. I won't see him until I have a note saying what time I am to go on board the yacht. I must interview Ritson about the money."
This Herries did, after he had thought well over the position of affairs, which was decidedly perplexing. Ritson gasped when he heard all that Herries knew, and appeared to take the same view as Browne had done.
"I believe that Kyles is guilty," he said, in a profoundly certain tone, "and that being the case, why pay him four thousand pounds?"
"He won't confess anything until he gets the money," insisted the client, "and if he is guilty Trent can arrest him. Then we can get the money back. But will you advance me the cash, Ritson?"
"Yes," said the lawyer without the slightest hesitation. "You have a good enough security."
"Be careful, Ritson," warned Herries gravely, "I am not yet in possession of the fifty thousand a year, and unless I learn the absolute truth, I never may be."
"You'll learn the truth sooner or later. At all events, to get to the bottom of the thing, I'm willing to risk four thousand on the matter. It's a sprat to catch a mackerel. But you must make it worth my while, risking this much, Herries."
"Naturally," said the other, "I never expected you to oblige me without asking a percentage. What do you want?"
"I must think it over," said Ritson, rubbing his hands, "but you won't find me too expensive. I wish to keep you as a client."
"That you certainly will," said Herries, "as you have been most kind during all these troubles. Good-bye. I'll see you to-morrow. Make your arrangements and have the money,--in gold of course."