I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall.
And why did you wish to see me? He looked across at my companion with
despair in his weary eyes, as though his question was already answered.
Yes, said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. It is
so. I know all about McCarthy.
The old man sank his face in his hands. God help me! he cried. But I
would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you my word that
I would have spoken out if it went against him at the Assizes.
I am glad to hear you say so, said Holmes gravely.
I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It would
break her heart it will break her heart when she hears that I am
arrested.
It may not come to that, said Holmes.
What?
I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter who
required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. Young
McCarthy must be got off, however.
I am a dying man, said old Turner. I have had diabetes for years. My
doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a month. Yet I would
rather die under my own roof than in a gaol.
Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand and a
bundle of paper before him. Just tell us the truth, he said. I shall
jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson here can witness it.
Then I could produce your confession at the last extremity to save
young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall not use it unless it is
absolutely needed.
It s as well, said the old man; it s a question whether I shall live
to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I should wish to spare
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