Fuller nodded silently, and went to a cupboard, whence he brought out a loaf of bread, some butter, and a jar of _pâté de foie gras_, which had been given to Dick by a friend, together with a bottle of good port wine. The hunted man, who had sought the sanctuary of their hearthstone, staggered to the table and began to eat and drink with avidity. Both men pitied the unfortunate creature, whose arrogance had been thus laid low. Whether he was innocent or guilty they could not say on what evidence they possessed; but it seemed terrible that a gentleman should be brought to such a sordid pass. While Sorley methodically filled himself with food, there was silence for quite a long time. Alan finally broke it. “Why did you come here?” he asked abruptly. “I want you to help me,” mumbled Sorley hastily. “How can I help you, man? You know that there is a warrant out for your arrest, so if either Latimer or I assist you to escape we shall be compounding a felony.” “I never asked for your assistance to escape,” retorted Sorley tartly, and in a stronger tone, for the food and drink had put life into him. “Then why did you come here?” asked Alan again, and stiffening, as the old arrogance was perceptible in the man’s tone. “I have told you; I want help.” “What sort of help?” “To prove my innocence.” “How can I, or how can Latimer? We know nothing.” “I think you know a great deal,” returned the other acidly, and shuffled to the fire again, as the night was chilly and he required warmth; “from what Jotty told me, you brought about my arrest.” “Pardon me, Mr. Sorley,” struck in Dick before his friend could speak, “but I am the one who did that. Since you have seen Jotty you must know that he found the letter which you wrote making an appointment with Grison on the very night and about the very time when the poor devil was killed. He showed that letter to us, and Alan was all in favor of leaving the matter alone, since he has some sympathy for you as the uncle of Miss Inderwick. But I declined to compound a felony, and I went to Inspector Moon to explain that you were the criminal.” “I am not the criminal,” cried Sorley furiously. “I did not murder the man. As to Jotty showing you my letter——” “Then you admit the letter?” demanded Dick swiftly. “Certainly I do. Why should I not? But the boy never told me that he had acted in such a Judas way. He came down to see me with a copy of _The Latest News_ in his pocket, and when I read the interview I went away on the impulse of the moment, recognizing how dangerous was my position.” “Why did the boy go to warn you?” “Because he wanted money. Didn’t he get money for giving up that letter?” “Yes,” answered Alan readily; “two pounds.”