"Well, you see, Miss Wedderburn (who is rather a strong-minded young woman) thinks kindness may cure him; so she gave him back his old post of gardener. If Miss Gilmar had been there, I don't think he would have been allowed to stay. I don't think, either, that Miss W.'s experiment will be a success." "He sings the most gruesome songs--about murder, and blood, and the Yellow Room." "I know," replied Prain, cheerfully. "I am afraid that last muddled his brain and inspired his muse. He didn't sing or compose verse when I knew him; but the man's a complete wreck. He used to be rather handsome and stupid; but his own father wouldn't know him now. I'm sorry for the poor devil, as now that Alder owns the Hall I dare say he'll be kicked out, and have to end his days in an asylum." "The best place for him, in my opinion," said Gebb, emphatically. "He is as mad as a March hare, and not half so harmless. Hullo! Who is that knocking? Come in." It proved to be a note from Inspector Lackland, asking Gebb to come down to Grangebury. In the first instance it had gone to Scotland Yard, and, as it seemed important, had been sent on to the detective, who had left word that he would be at Prain's, in case he was wanted. "Seems important," said Gebb, reading it. "I wonder what Lackland wants to see me about--eh, Prain?" But Prain was not attending to him. He was busy shaking hands with a tall, broad-shouldered man, fair-haired, blue-eyed, and altogether comely to look upon. This gentleman was introduced to Gebb by the name of Alder; whereby the detective was informed that he stood in the presence of Miss Gilmar's heir and Miss Wedderburn's lover. Alder on hearing Gebb's name looked at him keenly, and saluted him with marked cordiality. "I am glad to meet you, Mr. Gebb," he said, in loud and hearty tones; indeed, he was rather like a fox-hunting squire than a barrister. "How are you getting on with the case of my poor cousin's murder? Have you caught Dean?" "No," answered Gebb, plainly; "and, to tell you the truth, I am not sure that Dean is the culprit." "But if you knew what Dean said about----" "I know all that Dean said," interrupted Gebb, "also that he escaped; but, for all that, I do not think he killed Miss Gilmar--or Kirkstone either, for the matter of that." "Hum!" said Alder, thoughtfully. "I see you are of Basson's opinion." "Mr. Clement Basson! Do you know him?" asked the detective. "I should think so!" replied Alder, smiling. "I have known him for years. He was Dean's counsel in the Kirkstone case." "I instructed him," said Prain, complacently. "He believed in Dean's innocence as I did; but unfortunately our united efforts could not get the poor devil off." "I think I'll call on Mr. Basson," said the detective, thoughtfully. "Where is he to be found?" "No. 40, Blackstone Lane, Fleet Street," replied Alder promptly; "but what do you expect to learn from him?" "His reasons for believing Dean not guilty."