He did not say that the theory was that either George or the manager, or both of them together, had removed the money.
“I believe,” resumed Dan, “that that body was the body of an accomplice. He was put out of the way, either because he knew too much, or because the other man wanted all the plunder for himself, and, what’s more, I’m convinced that whoever did it was a stranger.”
“It is a pity that religious crank could not properly identify the murdered man,” exclaimed George. “What is that jumping in the bushes?”
“A paddymelon,” said Dan; “these scrubs are full of them.”
It was Jean Petit. He had involuntarily half-jumped to his feet.
Tom and Dave thought the critical moment had come. But the convict sank softly to the ground again. His face was working horribly. Tom Pagdin said he looked more like a devil let loose out of hell than anything, and a boss devil, at that.
“Well,” said George Chard, with a sigh, “I wish you could clear it up, Dan, for my sake, if for nothing else. You’d be welcome to the £250 reward offered by the bank as well as the £500 the Government are giving!”
“I am trying my hand at a little amateur detective work,” said Dan, quietly; “but it is not the money I’m after.”
“And you wouldn’t have to apply for the pardon, either,” said George, smiling.