Tanner, it appeared, was just going home, but had not yet left. He returned to his room. ‘My name,’ began Jimmy, ‘is Daunt—James Daunt, junior partner of Willington, Daunt & Daunt, Solicitors, of Lincoln’s Inn.’ Tanner bowed. ‘I know your firm, sir,’ he said quietly. ‘I called on behalf of my cousin, Miss Lois Drew, of Halford. You can no doubt guess my business?’ ‘You are going to act for Mr Ponson?’ ‘Not quite. At least I am not sure. It is my cousin I am really interested in. I want to ask your help, Mr Tanner. My cousin, who is a little—well, fond of her own way, has written you a letter, a compromising letter, one which should never have been written. You probably haven’t received it yet, but in it she asks you to inform Mr Ponson that she holds him to the engagement that they had just fixed up, and is going to announce it at once. Now, Mr Tanner, you will see that this is quixotic and absurd, and it musn’t be allowed. I have succeeded in getting her to promise to say nothing for the present, and what I want to ask you is to be so good as to respect her confidence, and keep her name out of it.’ Tanner looked somewhat distressed. ‘I should be only too glad,’ he answered, ‘to do as you say, especially as I so greatly respected and admired what I saw of Miss Drew, if only it were possible. But I fear it won’t be. I am afraid the engagement will be an integral part of the Crown case. But I may say that I shall not use Miss Drew’s letter. Both she herself and Mr Ponson told me of the engagement.’ ‘You don’t say so? And have you mentioned it to anyone else?’ ‘Only to my chief.’ ‘Well, you know the case against Mr Ponson, and I don’t. I can only ask that you don’t make the fact public until it is absolutely necessary.’ ‘That I will promise you with pleasure.’ ‘I am very grateful. And now there is another thing,’ and Jimmy explained that he wanted to see Austin, and for what reason. ‘I shall certainly raise no objection,’ Tanner answered, ‘but I’m afraid your application will have to go through the usual channel.’ ‘Of course. When is he to be brought before the magistrate?’ ‘Tomorrow at eleven.’ Two hours later the door of Austin’s cell opened to admit the junior partner of Messrs Willington, Daunt & Daunt. Austin was sitting with his head on his hands and an expression of deep gloom on his face, but he rose with a look of inquiry as Jimmy entered. ‘Mr Ponson?’ said the latter as he introduced himself. ‘I come on rather delicate business. It is on behalf of my cousin, Miss Lois Drew,’ and he told of the interview which he had just had. Austin was much moved. ‘God bless her!’ he cried hoarsely. ‘Isn’t it unbelievable, even for her! But it must be stopped, Mr Daunt, at all costs it must be stopped. Her name must be kept out of it no matter what happens.’ Jimmy did not repeat what Tanner had told him. ‘I’m glad you agree, Mr Ponson,’ he said. ‘Now another point. May I ask who is acting for you in this matter?’