On the way to Fleet Street and Barker’s Inn they went over the same old ground, but without coming to any definite conclusion. Besides the strain of the last few days was telling on both men, and they felt very weary. It was with a sigh of relief that they arrived at the dark cobblestone court and mounted the crooked staircase. Alan used his latchkey and admitted both himself and Dick into their chambers. When they entered the sitting-room they received a surprise and a shock. In a chair by the fire sat a figure, and in a moment he was recognized in spite of his shabby looks. “Mr. Sorley!” cried Alan and Dick in a breath. CHAPTER XIV FACE TO FACE It was indeed Mr. Randolph Vernon Sorley who spread out his hands to the fire in a crouching attitude, but woefully changed from the debonair and juvenile gentleman of former days. His aggressively shabby overcoat and worn boots showed that he had some idea of disguising himself, since he had both money and clothes at his command to dress better. He was unshaven, his cheeks and chin being covered with a silvery stubble, and in his sunken eyes there lurked a hunted look. The man looked both broken up and broken down, and had aged at least twenty years since Alan had last set eyes on him. The terror he displayed when the young man entered the room showed how apprehensive he was of being arrested by the police. “Oh, it’s you, Alan,” he gasped with a sigh of relief, when the newcomers, in sheer surprise, called out his name. “I’m glad it’s only you and your friend.” “I am Fuller’s friend,” remarked Latimer with emphasis, “but not yours.” “Ah!” Sorley shivered and cringed fearfully, “you’re against me too. Am I to find an enemy in you also, Alan?” “No,” said the young man briefly; “I never kick a man when he is down.” “I’m glad to hear that, Alan, for I am very down indeed. A few days ago and I could hold up my head with the best; now I am hunted for a crime. “If you are guilty——” “I swear I am not,” interrupted Sorley, his voice rising to a scream, “on my soul I swear to both of you that I am not.” “Then why did you run away?” asked Dick. “Because, after reading the newspaper interview with that vile woman, I saw that appearances were against me. I fled to gain time.” “Time for what, Mr. Sorley?” “To prepare a defence.” “Oh,” said Latimer doubtfully and staring at the limp figure of the fugitive, “then you have a defence.” “Yes—that is, I can—I can—oh, Alan,” wailed Sorley piteously, “in heaven’s name give me some wine or brandy. I have scarcely touched food since I left Belstone, and I am that weak I can scarcely speak. Give me drink and food, then we can talk.”