"I think it does," replied Gebb, coolly, "seeing that he pawned the necklace in question. If he isn't the principal, he is an accessory before the fact."
"Won't he confess how he became possessed of the diamonds?"
"No, not to me. He refuses to say a word in his own defence."
"Then I tell you what," said Alder, gravely, "this quixotic young man is defending another person; he is shielding the assassin."
"If he is, that shows him to be an accessory either before or after the fact," repeated Gebb. "But who is the person you think he is shielding?"
"Dean! I believe the man killed my cousin."
"Does Mr. Ferris know Dean?" asked Gebb, looking up sharply.
"No. Nor did he know Miss Gilmar, so far as my knowledge goes," said Alder, with a nod. "Ferris has been a friend of mine for many years, and although for certain reasons we are not very intimate, I am sure he is not guilty of this crime."
"If Ferris did not know Dean, or does not know him, I don't very well see how he can be shielding him!" cried Gebb, irritably. "If you will excuse me saying so, Mr. Alder, I think you are talking sheer nonsense."
"I am sorry you think so," said Alder, stiffly. "Of course I only state that Ferris is not acquainted with Dean, so far as I am aware; but he may know him for all that."