In all this maddening interview there had been no more spectral feature than this of Michael's merriment; and Pitman and Morris, drawn together by the common fear, exchanged glances of anxiety.
'Morris,' gasped the lawyer, when he was at last able to articulate, 'hold on, I see it all now.

I can make it clear in one word.

Here's the key: I NEVER GUESSED IT WAS UNCLE JOSEPH TILL THIS MOMENT.' This remark produced an instant lightening of the tension for Morris.
For Pitman it quenched the last ray of hope and daylight.

Uncle Joseph, whom he had left an hour ago in Norfolk Street, pasting newspaper cuttings ?--it ?--the dead body ?--then who was he, Pitman?
and was this Waterloo Station or Colney Hatch?
'To be sure!' cried Morris; 'it was badly smashed, I know.

How stupid not to think of that! Why, then, all's clear; and, my dear Michael, I'll tell you what--we're saved, both saved.