Woodman thought that he would get fuller information if he simulated ignorance and astonishment.
“Released? Whatever for?” he said.
“Because our evidence seems to show that he had nothing to do with it.”
“But, good heavens! there was his stick, and the telephone message, and his quarrel with Prinsep. What more do you want?”
“I can’t go into the details, Mr. Woodman. But we have been convinced that he didn’t do it.”
“Of course, if you have made up your mind, it is no good my telling you what I was going to tell you. But, when I last saw you, you were sure enough he was guilty. What on earth has made you change your opinion?”
“If you have further information, you should certainly tell me, Mr. Woodman. We ought to know everything that has a possible bearing on the case.”
“I will tell you; but it must be between ourselves. You know Thomas, who is Walter Brooklyn’s present solicitor. The man knows his client is guilty, and he had the effrontery to come here and ask me to help him in arranging a collusive defence.”
“Indeed, what was it he proposed?”
“That I should help him in an attempt to shift the suspicion to the men-servants. Of course, I refused to have anything to do with such dishonourable tactics. Thomas admitted to me that his client was guilty. I am only surprised that he seems to have succeeded so well in deceiving the police.”