"Do you now?
Deary me!--it's wonderful how clever some young folks is! So you know who killed Kitely, do you, my lad?
Ah! And who did kill Kitely, now?
Let's be knowing! Or happen you'd rather keep such a grand secret to yourself--till you can make something out of it ?" "I can make something out of it now," retorted Stoner, who was sharp enough to see through Mallalieu's affectation of scorn.

"Just you realize the importance of what I'm saying.

I tell you once again--I know who killed Kitely!" "And who did kill him, then ?" demanded Mallalieu.

"Psha!--you know naught about it!" Stoner laughed, looked round, and then leaned his head forward.
"Don't I ?" he said, with a sneer that exceeded his employer's in significance and meaning.

"But you're wrong--I do! Kitely was murdered by either you or Cotherstone! How's that, Mr.Mallalieu ?" Mallalieu again regarded his clerk in silence.