Shorty glanced at the door to make sure that it was fast closed. Then he shifted nervously from one leg to the other, and finally his facial muscles began to describe what he evidently intended for a smile. It was a very weird achievement, and for the moment quite disturbed the Major.
"Well, I ken put yer on a lay as you'll be glad to get a 'old of, Mister Major!"
"Go on, explain yourself—out with it, or I'll out with you; quick! if you've anything to say."
"Guess I 'ave, if I'm treated proper. P'r'aps yer don't know as I was down at that there village when the old 'un was scragged that time? Well, I wos, guvnor, and wot's more, I wus round 'bout the 'ouse on that night, 'cos it wos Chris'mus time, and I wos bloomin' 'ungry, and yer see there's of'en times some pickin's to be 'ad about big 'ouses at them times——"
"Go on, go on!" urged the Major, getting excited. "You know who did it?"
"No I don't, guvnor; but I know who cobbed that there will!"
The Major sat back in his chair. This was not what he had expected. In a flash he saw his position.
"Who was it?" he demanded harshly of the boy.
"No yer don't, sir, yer not goin' to git it that way. It's worth summat, my little bit o' noos!"
"You young devil you! here take this." He took from his pocket a five-pound note and held it out The boy clutched at it eagerly. Then he leaned forward and whispered hoarsely in the Major's ear a name, the mention of which secured for him as thorough a shaking as he had ever experienced in his eventful life.