"Oh, Jim Baker. Hereabouts he is known as Jim. When you spoke of him as James, for the moment I didn't know who you meant."
"This morning I saw him in Winchester Gaol."
"That is what you were doing in Winchester? Now I understand. How is he?"
"In a bad way. They may as well hang him as keep him jailed. He's not at home in there."
"So I should imagine. Jim Baker!"
Hugh Morice smiled sardonically, as if the idea of Jim Baker being in gaol was grimly humorous.
"That interview has resulted in placing me in a very curious quandary."
"I should imagine that interviews with your clients did occasionally have results of that kind."
"That's so; but I don't recall one which had just this result, and--I don't like it. That's why I've come to you."
"I don't see the sequitur. What have I to do with your quandaries?--that is, mind you, with your professional quandaries; because, outside your profession, as you're perfectly well aware, I'm willing enough to help you in any kind of a hole."