"You've made me feel like a new man," he said. "How can I thank you for all you have done?" "The only way you can show your gratitude is by instructing Mr. Oakham to lodge an appeal for you--at once. Have you the necessary forms with you, Mr. Oakham?" "I have," said the solicitor, finding voice after a long silence. CHAPTER XXIV Mr. Oakham did not discuss what had taken place in the prison as he and Colwyn drove to the office of the chief constable after the interview. He sat silent in his corner of the taxi, his hands clasped before him, and gazing straight in front of him with the look of a man who sees nothing. From time to time his lips moved after the fashion of the old, when immersed in thought, and once he audibly murmured, "The poor lad; the poor lad." Colwyn forbore to speak to him. He realised that he had had a shock, and was best left to himself. By the time the taxi reached the office of the chief constable Mr. Oakham showed symptoms of regaining his self-possession. He felt for his eye-glasses, polished them, placed them on his nose and glanced at his watch. It was in something like his usual tones that he asked Colwyn, as they alighted from the cab, whether he had an appointment with the chief constable. "I wired to you both at the same time," replied the detective. "I asked him to keep this afternoon free," he explained with a smile. A police constable in the outer office took in their names. He speedily returned with the message that the chief constable would be glad to see them, and would they step this way, please. Following in his wake, they were conducted along a passage and into a large comfortably furnished room, where Mr. Cromering was writing at a small table placed near a large fire. He looked up as the visitors entered, put down his pen, and came forward to greet them. "I am pleased to see you again, Mr. Colwyn, and you also, Mr. Oakham. Please draw your chairs near the fire gentlemen--there's a decided nip in the air. I got your telegram, Mr. Colwyn, and I am at your disposal, with plenty of time. Your telegram rather surprised me. What has happened in the Glenthorpe case?" "Fresh facts have come to light--facts that tend to prove the innocence of Penreath, who was accused and convicted for the murder." "Dear me! This is a very grave statement. What proofs have you?" "Sufficient to warrant further steps in the case. It is a long story, but I think when you have heard it you will feel justified in taking prompt action." Before Mr. Cromering could reply, the police constable who had shown in Colwyn and Mr. Oakham entered the room and said that Superintendent Galloway, from Durrington, was outside.