"Because I think you know who is the guilty person."
"Do I? That remains to be seen."
"Spruce," said Vane in a menacing manner, "you are playing a very dangerous game, and let alone the fact that you are trying to blackmail Hench, you run the risk of condoning a felony."
"Ah!" said the Nut quickly. "Then you suggest that our friend is guilty?"
"Nothing of the sort. I suggest that you pretend to believe him guilty to get this money. But you know perfectly well that he is not."
"Do you mean to insinuate that I know who murdered the Squire?" asked Spruce, with a fine show of indignation.
"Certainly I do," retorted Vane smartly. "Don't put on frills. In my opinion Madame Alpenny, who knew all about the advertisement and the property, is the guilty person. But, as she isn't worth powder and shot, you are trying to fasten the crime on to Hench's shoulders."
"And I can, Mr. James Vane, as you and he shall find."
"Oh!" said Hench cynically. "And you really expect me to pay you two thousand a year to refrain from doing so? I won't."
"You won't?" Spruce was plainly taken aback.