"I say, you fellows," cried Brett, coming between them. "Stop that, won't you? You are both infatuated. Why, you must be mad! Everybody knows he is dead."
"It is certainly probable," said Mr. Brown doubtfully, "but it is not sure."
"Do not get excited, Brett," said Vanbrugh. "There are a lot of men looking on. Go home and leave it to us. We will find the man and see him before to-night."
"I am going with you," said Brett resolutely.
"No, you are not," said Vanbrugh, looking at him curiously. "You are no good. You are losing your head already. Go home and keep quiet."
"Yes, it would be much better," urged Mr. Brown. "Besides, two of us are quite enough."
"You do not really believe it," Brett said suddenly, after a moment's hesitation.
"Oh no, I suppose not," answered Vanbrugh with affected indifference.
"Cheer up, old man!" said Mr. Brown. "There may not be anything in it after all."
"May not!" exclaimed Brett. "I ought not to be here, anyhow," he added, speaking to Vanbrugh. "He may ring at her door at any moment." And without further words he disappeared into the hall.