He handed me the letter, which I read aloud.
"Dear Sir,—I am in great danger and distress. A warrant has been issued for my arrest on a charge of which I am entirely innocent. Can I come and see you, and will you let me leave in safety? The bearer will wait for a reply."
"I said 'Yes,' of course; there was nothing else to do," said Thorndyke. "But if I let him go, as I have promised to do, I shall be virtually conniving at his escape."
"Yes, you are taking a risk," I answered. "When is he coming?"
"He was due five minutes ago—and I rather think—yes, here he is."
A stealthy tread on the landing was followed by a soft tapping on the outer door.
Thorndyke rose and, flinging open the inner door, unfastened the massive "oak."
"Dr. Thorndyke?" inquired a breathless, quavering voice.
"Yes, come in. You sent me a letter by hand?"
"I did, sir," was the reply; and the speaker entered, but at the sight of me he stopped short.
"This is my colleague, Dr. Jervis," Thorndyke explained. "You need have no"
"Oh, I remember him," our visitor interrupted
