Mr. Saon coughed delicately. "I say nothing. The facts are not before me. I sincerely hope that the son is innocent. But if he had been well advised he would have placed his case in our hands."
"And then would have been hanged for his pains!" said Eustace, roughly, for he saw that this dignified gentleman was bent solely on making money; and whether Frank had been proved innocent or guilty, would have been equally pleased, provided the bill of costs was discharged. "As a matter of fact, I advised the son to lie low!"
"Ah! then I understand that you have seen him since his misfortune?"
"I have. I was the first person he came to."
Saon's face showed great interest. "Are you aware that there is a reward offered for his apprehension by a friend of the deceased?"
Eustace nodded grimly. "I know the amount of the reward and the friend also. Do you wish me to earn it?"
"No, no; certainly not! You shock me--you inexpressibly shock me, Mr. Jarman. But if you really know the whereabouts of our unfortunate client, tell him to come to us, and--"
"I'll do nothing of the sort," interrupted Jarman, "the evidence is too strong against him."
"But if he is innocent?"
"Innocent men have been hanged before now, Mr. Saon. No, sir, you let me manage the matter in my own way. When I have in my hands sufficient evidence to save Lancaster--the son, of course--from being hanged out of hand, you will step in."