“Don’t, Pol.”
“Own up, old chap. Or perhaps you suspect them both.”
“I do! How did you know? They were there together. There was trouble. Louis sent that telephone message—after the shooting—and he muddled it. It’s all been a muddle ever since!”
“It surely has,” agreed Pollard. “But I’m not sure you’ve chosen the best way to clear it up.”
“Well, I had to. I can’t see Phyllis dragged through a trial—and she would say or do anything to shield Louis. So I thought I’d throw myself into the breach.”
“You’ve certainly done so—whether for good or ill.”
CHAPTER XVI—Buddy
“Now that the money is paid, Phyllis, dear, and the whole matter is hushed up, Louis will never be suspected of having had anything to do with that Bill Halsey gang. It was a narrow escape—if the story had come out, it would have stained the boy’s reputation badly. But, thanks to your quick action and watchful care, your brother is released from their clutches and you need worry about that no more.”
“Thanks, too, to your kindness in letting me have the money. I will repay you just as soon as Mr Lane settles financial matters enough to give it to me out of my inheritance.”
“No hurry about it. Instead of that, let’s talk about ourselves. When are you going to let me give you a ring?”