It's due to him.

Besides," said Tallington, with a grim smile, "it would be decidedly unpleasant for Cotherstone to compel him to tell Bent, or for us to tell Bent in Cotherstone's presence.

And--we'd better get to work at once, Brereton! Otherwise--this will get out in another way." "You mean--through the police ?" said Brereton.
"Surely!" replied Tallington.

"This can't be kept in a corner.

For anything we know somebody may be at work, raking it all up, just now.