"Because I believe you to be none of the three, my friend," replied Fanks, candidly.
Roger looked at him with a sudden flush of shame, and involuntarily held out his hand, but drew it back quickly, before the other could clasp it.
"No, not yet," he said, hastily; "I will not clasp your hand in friendship until I clear myself in your eyes. You demand an explanation. Well, I am here to give it."
"I am glad of that," replied Fanks for the second time. "I'm quite aware," continued Roger, flushing, "that now you are at Ironfields you must be aware that I concealed certain facts in my conversation with you."
"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."
"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.
"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.
"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."