He knew by that time that this fellow was in possession of some information, and his characteristic inclination was to fence with him.

And he made a great effort to pull himself together, so as to deal better with whatever might be in store.
"Either me or Mr.Cotherstone!" he repeated sarcastically.

"Oh! Now which on us would you be inclined to fix it on, Mr.Stoner?
Eh ?" "May have been one, may have been the other, may have been both, for aught I know," retorted Stoner.

"But you're both guilty, any way! It's no use, Mr.Mallalieu--I know you killed him.

And--I know why!" Again there was silence, and again a duel of staring eyes.