Death Framed in Silver by Alice Campbell

Author:Alice Campbell
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Dean Street Press
Published: 2022-05-29T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

At her next meeting with the barrister Diana broached the subject of funds. She was told not to worry about expense.

“Actually,” said Hull, “in cases of this kind it is quite usual for a popular newspaper to come forward these days and defray the cost of the defence—counting, of course, on the exclusive rights of the story. I understand such an offer has been made by one of the Sunday papers; but I don’t think we need avail ourselves of it. The fact is, only yesterday Mr. Blundell very generously volunteered to guarantee all fees. It’s that I wanted to speak to you about.”

Uncle Nick? Impossible! Diana stared.

“Why should he do this?” she asked blankly. “He can’t believe in Adrian, whatever he may say—or not say, for that’s more like it.”

“I dined with him informally last evening,” replied Hull, swinging his eyeglass tentatively. “He expressed no views, and seemed a little embarrassed about making his offer direct to you. His reason seems to be a sort of payment of old debts. It appears Doctor Somervell’s father, Mr. Joseph Somervell, was exceedingly helpful to him in earlier days—put him into the position of legal adviser to Siberex Oil Combine, which meant a big leg-up. He has never forgotten it, and he could not feel happy now if he did not do something for the son. Mr. Blundell realises, as any one must, the urgent importance of retaining a particularly able counsel. What we want is a man with a power of appeal well above the ordinary—Sir Kingsley Baxter, in fact. I’ve had him in mind. I need hardly tell you what an immense asset Sir Kingsley would be.”

Diana knew the reputation of Sir Kingsley Baxter. He occupied an almost unique position. Twenty times she had heard people say that if ever they committed a murder their first act would be to send for Baxter. She had read his speeches, which had struck her as sentimental and sometimes specious; but she was too clear-sighted not to know how vital these qualities were to Adrian’s cause. . . . “Only,” continued Hull, eyeing her, “a hitch has occurred. Doctor Somervell refuses point-blank to accept any outside aid.”

“Oh! He can’t refuse. That is, we mustn’t let him. Why is he taking this stupid attitude?”

“I took it to be a matter of pride. He’s undoubtedly very obstinate. I was hoping a word from you might move him.”

“It won’t,” murmured Diana slowly. “I think I understand, but I’ve no influence—none.”

Adrian believed Uncle Nick was making this offer for her sake. It was of a piece with his recent behaviour. She was filled with despair. A chance like this to be let go when life itself might depend on it? It was unthinkable. She looked at the barrister with defiant resolution.

“I’ll accept for him,” she declared. “He needn’t know what’s being done, need he? And if he’s acquitted, why, he can pay the fees himself.”

“Oh, undoubtedly!” agreed Hull, not meeting her eyes. “I must say I’m infinitely relieved at your decision.

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