morning, and my client was taken forthwith to Bow Street and charged
with the robbery."

"Was any evidence taken?" asked Thorndyke.

"No. Only evidence of arrest. The prisoner is remanded for a week, bail
having been accepted in two sureties of five hundred pounds each."

Thorndyke was silent for a space after the conclusion of the narrative.
Like me, he was evidently not agreeably impressed by the lawyer's
manner, which seemed to take his client's guilt for granted, a position
indeed not entirely without excuse having regard to the circumstances of
the case.

"What have you advised your client to do?" Thorndyke asked presently.

"I have recommended him to plead guilty and throw himself on the
clemency of the court as a first offender. You must see for yourself
that there is no defence possible."

The young man flushed crimson, but made no remark.

"But let us be clear how we stand," said Thorndyke. "Are we defending an
innocent man or are we endeavouring to obtain a light sentence for a man
who admits that he is guilty?"

Mr. Lawley shrugged his shoulders.

"That question can be best answered by our client himself," said he.