"We left home very, very early this morning," replied the elder sister. "We learned this dreadful news last night in the evening paper. We came away at four o'clock this morning--we live in Durham, Mr. Viner,--and we have been to Mr. Felpham's office this afternoon. He told us how kind you had been in engaging his services for our unfortunate brother, and we came to thank you. But oh, do you think there is any chance for him?" "Every chance!" declared Viner, pretending more conviction than he felt. "Don't let yourselves be cast down. We'll move heaven and earth to prove that he's wrongly accused. I gather--if you don't mind my asking--that your brother has been out of touch with you for some time?" The two sisters exchanged mournful glances. "We had not heard anything of Langton for some years," replied the elder. "He is much--much younger than ourselves, and perhaps we are too staid and old-fashioned for him. But if we had known that he was in want! Oh, dear me, we are not at all well-to-do, Mr. Viner, but we would have sacrificed anything. Mr. Felpham says that we shall be allowed to visit him--he is going to arrange for us to do so. And of course we must remain in London until this terrible business is over--we came prepared for that." "Prepared for that!" repeated the other sister, who seemed to be a fainter replica of the elder. "Yes, prepared, of course, Mr. Viner." "Now that we have found Langton, though in such painful circumstances," said the first speaker, "we must stand by him. We must find some quiet lodging, and settle down to help. We cannot let all the burden fall on you, Mr. Viner." Viner glanced at Miss Penkridge. They were quick to understand each other, these two, and he knew at once that Miss Penkridge saw what was in his mind. "You must stay with us," he said, turning to the two mournful figures. "We have any amount of room in this house, and we shall be only too glad--" "Oh, but that is too--" began both ladies. "I insist," said Viner, with a smile. "We both insist!" echoed Miss Penkridge. "We are both given to having our own way, too; so say no more about it. We are all in the same boat just now, and its name is _Mystery_, and we must pull together until we're in harbour." "Listen!" said Viner. "I have to go away tonight, on a matter closely connected with this affair. Let me leave you in my aunt's charge, and tomorrow I may be able to give you some cheering news. You'll be much more comfortable here than in any lodgings or hotel and--and I should like to do something for Hyde; we're old schoolfellows, you know."