Mr. Forster lost no time in applying for an order to see the prisoner.
It was granted at once.

Basil Carruthers--we may use his right name now--looked up in surprise
when Mr. Forster, with the paper in his hand, entered the cell.

"Back again?" he said.

"Yes; it is just as I expected; the papers have got hold of your name,
and there is a grand expose."

Basil held out his hand and read the paragraph.

"It is enough to make your father rise up from his grave," said the
lawyer; "I cannot understand what madness, what infatuation, has come
over you, to drag such a proud name as yours through the dust."

"So it is known," said Basil, slowly. "Well, I cannot help it."

"I have done my best," said Mr. Forster. "I have never yet asked you if
you stole the watch--the idea is too absurd."

"They are so far right that I was found in the room; nothing else
matters."

"I can only imagine that the same folly which has brought you here will
keep you here," said Mr. Forster. "The only thing to be done is to send
a denial to the papers. If you will write one, I will go to Paris myself
to post it."