Two thousand pounds, with thirty years' interest, at four per cent .-- why, that's four thousand four hundred pounds altogether!" "That's what he paid," said Bent.

"Here's the receipt.
"Mr.Cotherstone is telling us--privately--everything," remarked Tallington, glancing at the receipt and passing it on to Brereton.

"I wish he'd tell us--privately, as I say--why he paid that money the day after Kitely's murder.

Why, Mr.Cotherstone ?" Cotherstone, ready enough to answer and to speak until then, flushed angrily and shook his head.

But he was about to speak when a gentle tap came at Tallington's door, and before the solicitor could make any response, the door was opened from without, and the police-superintendent walked in, accompanied by two men whom Brereton recognized as detectives from Norcaster.
"Sorry to interrupt, Mr.Tallington," said the superintendent, "but I heard Mr.Cotherstone was here.