“But this is nothing that need criminate him or affect his prospects one way or the other,” said Haywood, uneasily.
“Of that you will allow me to be the judge. However, I have no objection to answering your question. Young Conrad found no letter.”
“Nor any portion of one?”
This was an incautious question. Haywood’s eagerness had led him to overstep himself. The lawyer was upon him in a moment. With a piercing glance and a sharp voice, he asked, quickly:
“Why do you say ‘portion of one?’ Mr. Haywood?”
It was only on rare occasions that Geoffrey Haywood found himself confused. This was one of them. He had made a blunder, and was for the instant alarmed. He stammered forth:
“Why, because—that is, for no particular reason; but every little clew is worth following up.”
“Clew to what?” demanded Mr. Royalton, with an offensive voice and frown which he knew well how to assume.
“Why, to his guilt, or to Colonel Conrad’s last wishes. As a friend to him and his family, you know, I am bound to take all measures to serve their interests.”
“And, sir, as my client’s attorney, I am bound to serve his interests in every proper way. I am free to say, however—overlooking your singular presumption in trying to pump me—that I believe his flight was an unwise proceeding;for I am confident that in the end we should have beaten you.”