"Gartley certainly dropped a hint about a panel."
"Yes, but I couldn't make out the rest, or what he wanted Albert to help him with."
"You don't think that your grandfather could have hidden some money in the panelling, and that Bob Gartley saw him do it?"
"If he did, the money certainly wouldn't be there now! Considering the house has been empty for about three years, Gartley must have had every opportunity of going in and taking it, and I scarcely think he'd be restrained by conscientious scruples."
"Hardly!"
"No, there was something more—some secret that he didn't want to tell even to 'Albert'."
"If only they hadn't gone away just at that identical minute!" groaned Gwethyn. "It was too tantalizing, when we seemed on the very point of learning something. It must be important, or he wouldn't make such a mystery of it, and talk about its being to his advantage. Do you think his wife knows, and that we could get her to tell us?"
"No, she's too much afraid of him."
"But if we tried bribery and corruption? He himself might perhaps be induced to part with the information."
"He spoke of a 'risky job', which certainly means something dishonest. In that case I'm sure he wouldn't reveal a word."