And I think you'd better tell us what you know, Portlethorpe.

Things have got to come out." "I've no objection to telling you and Mr.Moneylaws what we know," answered Mr.Portlethorpe.

"After all, it is, in a way, common knowledge--to some people, at any rate.

And to begin with, you are probably aware that the recent history of this Carstairs family is a queer one.

You know that old Sir Alexander had two sons and one daughter--the daughter being very much younger than her brothers.