“Oh, it’s you, Alan,” he gasped with a sigh of relief, when the newcomers, in sheer surprise, called out his name. “I’m glad it’s only you and your friend.”
“I am Fuller’s friend,” remarked Latimer with emphasis, “but not yours.”
“Ah!” Sorley shivered and cringed fearfully, “you’re against me too. Am I to find an enemy in you also, Alan?”
“No,” said the young man briefly; “I never kick a man when he is down.”
“I’m glad to hear that, Alan, for I am very down indeed. A few days ago and I could hold up my head with the best; now I am hunted for a crime.
“If you are guilty——”
“I swear I am not,” interrupted Sorley, his voice rising to a scream, “on my soul I swear to both of you that I am not.”
“Then why did you run away?” asked Dick.
“Because, after reading the newspaper interview with that vile woman, I saw that appearances were against me. I fled to gain time.”
“Time for what, Mr. Sorley?”