‘Then I do employ your firm—if you will be good enough to act. What is the first step?’
‘The first legal step is to be present in court on your behalf tomorrow. Then I shall get hold of the case against you, after which we will put our heads together over your defence. But there is also your own family to consider. Have you any near relatives other than your mother, sister, and cousin?’
‘None.’
‘I presume you would like me to take them into our confidence?’
Austin agreed and they discussed the matter further, arranging terms and other details.
‘Now, Mr Ponson,’ said Jimmy when these were settled, ‘I have to give you a very solemn warning. Your very life may depend on how you heed it. It is this. You must tell me the truth. I don’t mean refrain from falsehood only, but tell me everything—everything you know. It is only fair to say that if you hold anything back I can no longer help you, and you may be signing your own death warrant. Do you realise that?’
‘I certainly do. You need not be afraid. I’ll be only too thankful to tell you. Now ask your questions.’
‘You forget I know nothing of the case as yet. Just tell me the whole business from beginning to end and with all the details you can.’
Austin sat motionless for a moment as if collecting his thoughts, then, settling himself more comfortably, he began to speak.
He opened by explaining his relations with his father, and his mode of life in Halford, and then described his friendship with Lois Drew, culminating in his proposal and the engagement. He told of the note he had received on that fatal Wednesday evening, his taking the boat to the Old Ferry, the self-styled servant of Mrs Franklyn, her message, his walk to the Abbey, his visit to the Franklyns’ house, and his call at the Drews. Then he recounted the circumstances of Sir William’s death, the call from Innes, the inquiries at Dr Graham’s, the search for and discovery of the body, the subsequent inquest, the interview with Tanner, the latter’s questions, and the demand for the shoes, and finally, the medical evidence at the adjourned inquest, and his arrest. He stated he had no idea what the discovery was which led to this culmination.