"Why are you disturbed?" asked Gebb, rather sceptically. "What makes you worry over Ferris?"
"Because I am sure he is innocent of this murder," replied Alder. "Oh, I heard all about his arrest and committal for trial from Prain, who has gone round to see him. So I thought I would come and tell you that I am convinced of his innocence."
"But he pawned the necklace, Mr. Alder; he admits that he did."
"Then he must have obtained the necklace from some one else."
"That may be, sir," said Gebb, quietly; "but if he did he refuses to say as much. And whosoever gave him the necklace killed Miss Gilmar."
"What defence does he make?" asked Alder, looking puzzled.
"None. He asserts his innocence, but refuses to explain how he became possessed of the necklace. If he can't explain, or won't explain, those diamonds will hang him."
"In what way? I don't quite see how you arrive at that point."
"Miss Gilmar wore the necklace on the night she was killed," explained the detective; "it was gone when we found the body; so by the strongest of circumstantial evidence the assassin must have taken it."
"All this may be true, Mr. Gebb, but it does not prove that poor Ferris is guilty."