Most likely he knew this Wickham then. Is that the
Wickham mentioned there?"
"It is," assented Mr. Pawle, "and I want to know who he was."
"Glad to set any inquiries going for you when we get back," said Fosdick.
"We sail in two days."
"Gentlemen," answered Mr. Pawle gravely, "it takes, I believe, five or
six weeks to reach Australia. By the time you get there, this unfortunate
fellow Hyde, who's charged with the murder of Ashton, on evidence that is
quite sufficient to satisfy an average British jury, will probably have
been tried, convicted and hanged. No! I'm afraid we must act at once if
we're to help him, as Mr. Viner here is very anxious to do. And there's
something you can do. The coroner's inquest is to be held tomorrow. Go
there and volunteer the evidence you've just told us! It mayn't do a
scrap of good--but it will introduce an element of doubt into the case
against Hyde, and that will benefit him."
"Tomorrow?" said Fosdick. "We'll do it. Give us the time and place. We'll
be there, Mr. Pawle. I see your point, sir--to introduce the idea that
there's more to this than the police think.
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