Two hours later the door of Austin’s cell opened to admit the junior partner of Messrs Willington, Daunt & Daunt. Austin was sitting with his head on his hands and an expression of deep gloom on his face, but he rose with a look of inquiry as Jimmy entered.
‘Mr Ponson?’ said the latter as he introduced himself. ‘I come on rather delicate business. It is on behalf of my cousin, Miss Lois Drew,’ and he told of the interview which he had just had. Austin was much moved.
‘God bless her!’ he cried hoarsely. ‘Isn’t it unbelievable, even for her! But it must be stopped, Mr Daunt, at all costs it must be stopped. Her name must be kept out of it no matter what happens.’
Jimmy did not repeat what Tanner had told him.
‘I’m glad you agree, Mr Ponson,’ he said. ‘Now another point. May I ask who is acting for you in this matter?’
Austin passed his hand, wearily over his forehead.
‘I’m afraid I haven’t arranged anything yet. You see, I only arrived here a few hours ago.’
‘But who is your usual man of business?’
‘Any little thing I have wanted done up to the present I have taken to Mr Hopkins, of Halford, and he was present at the adjourned inquest on my behalf. He is as straight as a die, but he is elderly, and I dare say out of date. I’m afraid he wouldn’t be much use at this kind of thing. Wills and deeds are more in his line. I wonder, Mr Daunt, if I asked you to take it on would it draw attention to Lois?’
‘It’s rather a delicate matter as it looks like cadging for business, but for Lois’s sake I should be glad to act for you. As for dragging in her name, I don’t think half a dozen people in the world know we are cousins, and at Halford probably no one. Besides, you would not employ me, but the firm.’