ce case in their minds; and Campion was just the man to nip any
attempt of that kind in the bud. At all events, the judge was more
likely to listen to him on such a point than to anyone else. But would
not the practice and etiquette of the bar put it absolutely out of the
question.

The thing was worth considering--worth talking over with Campion
himself. So Mr. Larmer put on his hat at once, and went over to the
Temple.

"I have come to see you on a rather delicate matter," he said, by way of
introduction, "as you will understand if you happen to have seen my name
in connection with the Walcott assault case. There are sundry matters
involved which make it difficult to keep the case within its proper
limits, and I thought that an informal consultation on the subject,
before I proceed to retain counsel, might facilitate matters."

"Perhaps it might; but I hardly see how I can help you."

"Well, it occurred to me that if you were in court during the trial, you
would have the opportunity of checking anything that might arise of an
irrelevant character--any references----"

"And what do you propose?" said Sydney, interrupting.

"It would be hard that we should be prevented from putting our case in
the hands of such counsel as we consider best calculated to bring it to
a successful issue. If there is no strong personal reason against it,
but on the other hand (as it seems to me) an adequate reason in its
favor, I trust that you will allow me to send you a brief."

"Let me ask you--did you come to me in any sense at the instance of your
client?" said Sydney, suspiciously.

"By no means. Mr. Walcott does not know I have thought of you in
connection with his defence."

"Nor at the instance of another?"

"Certainly not. It is entirely my own idea."

Sydney looked relieved. He could not ask outright if there had been any
communication with his sister, but that was what he was thinking about.

"I hope we may rely upon you," said Mr. Larmer.

"I don't know. I am not sure that you can. This is, as you said, a
perfectly informal conversation, and I may frankly tell you that what
you ask is out of the question. I hope you will think no more about it."

Mr. Larmer was troubled.

"It seemed to me, Mr. Campion, that the idea would commend itself at
once. I fear you did not quite take my meaning when I spoke of possible
side issues and irrelevant questions which might arise during the
trial?"

"Surely I did. You meant