There was but one course to adopt--and it must be adopted immediately.

Cotherstone must be spoken to--Cotherstone must be told of what some people at any rate knew about him and his antecedents.

Let him have a chance to explain himself.

After all, he might have some explanation.

But--and here Brereton's determination became fixed and stern--it must be insisted upon that he should tell Bent everything.
Bent always went out very early in the morning, to give an eye to his business, and he usually breakfasted at his office.