"I should think so!" replied Alder, smiling. "I have known him for years. He was Dean's counsel in the Kirkstone case."
"I instructed him," said Prain, complacently. "He believed in Dean's innocence as I did; but unfortunately our united efforts could not get the poor devil off."
"I think I'll call on Mr. Basson," said the detective, thoughtfully. "Where is he to be found?"
"No. 40, Blackstone Lane, Fleet Street," replied Alder promptly; "but what do you expect to learn from him?"
"His reasons for believing Dean not guilty."
"They are the same as mine," cried Prain, "and I don't know how his stating them over again can help you. He does not know where Dean is."
"Still Mr. Gebb had better see Basson," suggested Alder, with conviction. "Something may come of the visit. Will you call on me afterwards, Mr. Gebb, and tell me what you learn from Basson? I am to be found in the Temple, and, as you may guess, I am most anxious that Dean should be traced. I intend to offer a reward of two hundred pounds for his capture. I hope you will earn it."
"I hope so, too," answered Gebb, much pleased; "but you are certain that Dean is guilty?"
"If he is not, I don't know who is," replied Alder, emphatically; and for the time being the conversation ended.
Gebb left Alder to consult with Prain as to the necessity of exhuming the body of Miss Gilmar for identification, and took his way down to Grangebury to learn why the bluff Lackland had written so earnest and urgent a note. He found the plethoric inspector in a state of excitement bordering on apoplexy, and wondered what could have occurred to stimulate the martinet to such unusual excitement.