Roger turned away his face, upon which burned a flush of shame.
"Because I was afraid," he replied, in a low voice.
"Of being accused of the murder?"
"Yes!"
"But you can exculpate yourself?" said Fanks, in a startled tone.
"I hope so," replied Roger, gloomily; "but on my word of honour, Fanks, I am innocent. Have you read 'Edwin Drood'?"
"Yes!" responded Fanks, rather puzzled at what appeared to be an irrelevant question, "several times."
"Do you remember what Dickens says in that novel?" said Axton, slowly. "'Circumstances may accumulate so strongly even against an innocent man that, directed, sharpened, and pointed, they may slay him.'"
"True, true," answered Fanks, approvingly nodding his head; "such things have occurred before."
"And may occur again," cried Axton, with a look of apprehension. "I know that you suspect me; I know that circumstantial evidence could be brought against me which would put my life in danger; but on my soul, Fanks, I am innocent of Melstane's death."