“Yes, and so am I.”
“It’s a bad business.”
“Very bad.”
“And pray now, if it’s a fair question,” said our hero, leaving off his work for a moment or two, “is that the reason of your visit to me?”
“Well, it’s our duty to go anywhere and everywhere for the matter of that—not to leave a stone unturned.”
“Oh, I see. Well, Mr. Stallard, all I can say is that I cannot give you any information, for I know nothing about the affair. I’m endeavouring to earn an honest livelihood, and you must admit it doesn’t look well to my customers to see a gentleman of your inquiring mind here.”
“I have a duty to perform,” said Stallard; “I thought perhaps you might possibly be able to give me some information.”
“How the devil can I give you information upon a subject upon which I know nothing?” cried Peace in a fury. “Perhaps you think I had some hand in the robbery?”
“Oh, dear no, I never for a moment suggested such a thing.”
“Perhaps the best plan will be for you to search the house and satisfy yourself,” said our hero, throwing open the doors which led into the lower rooms of the habitation.