"We'll think about that when we prove his guilt," said Slade, dryly. "But see here, it's a chance of his escape I'm offering you. If I tell Chard all I know, you won't get your parson off, I can tell you. I want to find out the truth of this mystery to get promotion. Help me to find out who killed the girl, and I'll perhaps make things safe for the man as done it."
This was purely a treacherous offer, as Slade knew that he could not get promotion unless the murderer of Tera was discovered and hanged. However, Korah Brand did not know this, and hoping to save Johnson--which for the sake of the chapel he really wished to do--he at once decided to accept Slade's offer.
"I'll help you all I can," he said, "on condition that you don't tell the inspector, should we find out the truth."
"It's a bargain, then!" Slade was delighted with the result of this diplomacy. Already he felt worthy to rank with the heroes of any of his favourite novels. "Now then, Mr. Johnson's in debt, isn't he?"
"Yes, deeply in debt--the follies of his youth. He now knows how true is the text, 'Be sure thy sin will find thee out.'"
"He'll find it truer when I've done with him," said Jeremiah, grimly. "Well, sir, these pearls the girl had with her?"
"Yes. She took away some pearls. Johnson said so."
"Very good. Then Johnson murdered her for those pearls, so that he might sell them and pay his debts."
"How do you know?"
"It's a theory."