Jim smiled to himself, for he read between the lines. He had little faith in the venture, perhaps, because he had no faith in Despard, though he hoped for John Dale’s sake it would turn out successfully. Soon after reaching London he discovered that his father was in town, and Jim frankly told him the object of his visit—to see Miss Strode and give her a message. Sir Reginald congratulated his son on his flight, but Jim did not dare tell him yet how successful it really had been, nor its real object. "I think I’d like to meet this Miss Strode," Sir Reginald said, somewhat to Jim’s surprise. "Though, I’m afraid, I still feel convinced of young Dale’s guilt, I’ve never been able to eradicate from my mind the part she played at the trial—the strange outburst when she confessed it was she who altered the cheque. It seems, too, that when the solicitors saw her she said that Mr. Despard could, if he chose, prove the truth of her assertion. Of course, it’s very possible that she and Rupert were equally guilty. Perhaps the suggestion came from her.... The woman tempted and the man fell. I’d like to know if Despard did keep anything back at the trial." Jim nodded. "I’ll see what I can do. But I should think the kindest thing would be to let Miss Strode forget all about it, if that’s possible. Guilty or innocent, she must have been very fond of Rupert." His father’s suggestion came as a surprise to him. He had, during the last few weeks, cultivated Despard’s acquaintance and seen a great deal more of him than Jim liked. But, as a rule, Sir Reginald never made a mistake in his judgment of men. "Supposing Miss Strode could prove that Rupert is innocent, what then?" Jim asked. "I don’t think she can do that," Sir Reginald said quickly. "I’d like to discover what part she played in the unfortunate business. And perhaps she could enlighten us as to Despard’s past history, his character—and so forth." Jim smiled. "You’re beginning to feel suspicious of this brilliant company promoter who is playing the Good Samaritan at Blackthorn Farm and trying to feather his own nest at the same time." Sir Reginald did not reply at once, and looking more closely at him, Jim noticed that he looked worried. A heavy frown furrowed his brows. Presently he took Jim’s arm and asked him where he was going. "Well, my first visit is to the Ingenue Theatre. It seems rather too much to expect that I shall find Miss Strode there, but it’s the obvious place to look." "I’ll walk with you," Sir Reginald said. "I’ve something I want to say to you." Jim almost suggested that the best place to talk would be the sitting-room of Sir Reginald’s hotel, in which they found themselves. But he refrained. He felt as if he had suddenly changed places with his father, and that it was the older man who wanted to unburden his mind and make a confession. Not until they were in the bustle and turmoil of the streets did Sir Reginald speak.