"I'm not certain—by no means certain; but I have my suspicions."
"Of Marson?" said Japix, scornfully; "pooh! nonsense! There isn't a more respected man in Ironfields."
"It's generally your respected persons who fancy they can sin with impunity, and not be found out on account of that very respectability. May I ask you a few questions, Japix?"
"By all means."
"Why did Marson want his pretty daughter to marry that ugly wreck of a Spolger?"
Japix hesitated a moment before answering.
"I know nothing for a fact," he said at length, with great reluctance, "but common rumour—"
"Common rumour by all means. There's no smoke without fire."
"A detestable proverb," said Japix, frowning. "Well, rumour says that Marson will smash if money is not put into his business, and that Florry Marson was to be the price of Spolger finding for Marson & Son the requisite money."
"I think that's the most powerful reason for the crime we've had yet."