"Yes! You said you had not been to Ironfields, and that you did not correspond with Miss Varlins. Both statements were false." "May I ask on whose authority you speak so confidently?" demanded Axton, coldly. "Certainly. On the authority of Dr. Japix." "Japix!" repeated Roger, starting, "do you know him?" "Yes! I met him some time ago in Manchester, and I renewed my acquaintance with him down here." "Why?" "Because I wanted him to analyse those pills found in Melstane's room after his death." He looked sharply at Roger as he spoke, but that young man met his gaze serenely and without flinching, which seemed to give Fanks great satisfaction, for he withdrew his eyes with a sigh of relief. "Octavius," said Roger, after a pause, "do you remember our conversation at Jarlchester?" Mr. Fanks deliberately produced his secretive little note-book and tapped it delicately with his long fingers. "The conversation is set down here." "Oh," said Roger, with sardonic politeness. "I was not aware you carried your detective principles so far as to take a note of interviews with your friends." "I don't do it as a rule," responded Fanks, coolly; "but I had an instinct that our interview might be useful in connection with Melstane's case. I was right, you see. Roger," he cried, with a burst of natural feeling, "why did you not trust me?" Roger turned away his face, upon which burned a flush of shame. "Because I was afraid," he replied, in a low voice. "Of being accused of the murder?" "Yes!" "But you can exculpate yourself?" said Fanks, in a startled tone. "I hope so," replied Roger, gloomily; "but on my word of honour, Fanks, I am innocent. Have you read 'Edwin Drood'?" "Yes!" responded Fanks, rather puzzled at what appeared to be an irrelevant question, "several times." "Do you remember what Dickens says in that novel?" said Axton, slowly. "'Circumstances may accumulate so strongly even against an innocent man that, directed, sharpened, and pointed, they may slay him.'" "True, true," answered Fanks, approvingly nodding his head; "such things have occurred before." "And may occur again," cried Axton, with a look of apprehension. "I know that you suspect me; I know that circumstantial evidence could be brought against me which would put my life in danger; but on my soul, Fanks, I am innocent of Melstane's death." "I feel certain you are," answered Octavius, gently; "but, as you say, circumstances are strong against you. Tell me everything without reserve, and I may be able to advise you; otherwise, I am completely in the dark." "I believe you are my friend, Fanks," said Roger, earnestly. "I believe you know me too well to think I would be guilty of such a dreadful crime. Yes; I will tell you everything, and place myself unreservedly in your hands. But first tell me how it is you are so sure it was murder and not suicide!"