Francis' old air of strength and decision had returned.

His voice was firm, his eyes were clear and bright.

His manner seemed even to invite questioning.
"I think I know why," Wilmore said, "but I should like you to tell me in your own words." Francis glanced around as though to be sure that they were not overheard.
"Because," he replied, dropping his voice a little but still speaking with great distinctness, "William Bull is a cunning and dangerous criminal whom I should prefer to see hanged." "You know that ?" "I know that." "It would be a great achievement to get him off," Wilmore persisted.
"The evidence is very weak in places." "I believe that I could get him off," was the confident reply.

"That is why I will not touch the brief.

I think," Francis continued, "that I have already conveyed it to you indirectly, but here you are in plain words, Andrew.