"Send that man you sent to me for Spruce, and ask him to come here at once."
"For what purpose?"
"We can make a bargain with him. Instead of giving him the money to hold his tongue, offer it to him on condition that he reveals the truth."
"He won't. He's a born liar."
"Oh yes, he will. The chance of getting two thousand a year will unlock his tongue. He'd sell Madame Alpenny or a dozen like her to line his own nest."
"It's not a bad idea," said Owain, as he left the room to speak to Giles. While he was absent Vane began to think of Peter, the page, who was the brother of Simon, surnamed Bottles. It seemed to him that these two boys knew of something in connection with the matter, as they appeared to take a great interest in the doings of Hench. The barrister resolved to speak to Owain on his return, and did so immediately he came back with the information that Giles was now on his way to the Bull Inn. "You say that Bottles was devoted to you, Owain," said Vane reflectively.
"I thought so, but since he has given me away to Madame Alpenny I have my doubts of his honesty."
"Hm! I don't know. A hero-worshipper doesn't throw off his allegiance so lightly. Bottles promised to hold his tongue?"
"Yes! Really, though, Jim, there was nothing for him to tell."
"Not when you left Bethnal Green, I admit. But there has been something to tell since, and he has told it, to wit your whereabouts, which you did not wish to be known to that old hag. Bottles must have some reason for acting as he has done. If I were you I would go up to town and see him."