He was to come next day--at four o'clock--to hear what me and Mallalieu 'ud offer him for hush-money." "Then you told Mallalieu ?" asked Tallington.
"Of course I told him!" replied Cotherstone.

"Told him as soon as Kitely had gone.

It was a facer for both of us--to be recognized, and to have all that thrown up against us, after thirty years' honest work!" The three listeners looked silently at each other.

A moment of suspence passed.

Then Tallington put the question which all three were burning with eagerness to have answered.
"Mr.Cotherstone!--do you know who killed Kitely ?" "No!" answered Cotherstone.