Mr Adams handed the lady the scrap of paper, she asking him a question as he did so,--
"To whom did you say that you were clerk?"
"To Mr Parsloe, a well-known and highly-esteemed Winchester solicitor."
"Why did Baker, as you put it, communicate with Mr Parsloe?"
"He wanted us to undertake his defence."
"And are you going to do so?"
Mr Adams smiled.
"As matters are, I am afraid not. Baker appears to be penniless, he is not even able to keep himself while awaiting trial, but is on the ordinary prison fare. It is necessary that a client should not only have his solicitor's sympathy, but also the wherewithal with which to pay his fees."
"Then it is only a question of money. I see. At what address shall I find Mr Parsloe if I wish to do so?"
The gentleman gave the lady a card.