"You are a disgrace to Winchester!" raged Vane, scowling. "A cheat and a sneak, a liar and a thief. That's what you are."
"Thanks. Any more names?"
"I may as well add blackmailer," observed Hench coldly.
"In that case I can call you a murderer, which is a worse name!" snarled the Nut, looking very ugly.
"I am not. You are lying as usual."
"Don't insult me too much, Hench. You seem to forget that I am top-dog."
"So far you certainly are. Top-puppy, I should say. Sit down and let us get to business."
Spruce still stood by the door in what he considered was a haughty attitude, and frowned impressively. "I don't see what Vane has to do with any business between you and myself," he said sharply.
"Vane is my friend, and I have asked him here to deal with the matter about which you spoke last night."
"You seem ready to take the whole world into your confidence," said Spruce insolently, dusting a chair with his handkerchief before taking a seat. "If you act in that way I can't protect you."