"Will you prefer Lawson to meddle instead of me?"
"Lawson won't dare," answered Mallien, but in a more subdued tone.
"Oh, yes, he will, when Carrington tells him what he knows."
"Carrington knows nothing."
"He does. If he didn't he would scarcely have had that interview with you at The Hendle Arms after I kicked him out."
"You kicked him out, did you?"
"Yes, I did, because he wanted me to bribe him into holding his tongue about the will. Failing getting the money from me, he attempted to get it from you at that interview. Dorinda told me that you had one, since you informed her about Carrington's threats. Come now, Mallien, the time has come for plain speaking if you wish to keep your liberty. Did Carrington ask you for five thousand pounds? That was the sum he asked from me."
Mallien was forced to give in, and did so sullenly. "He did ask for that sum."
Rupert nodded. "I thought so. And what did you say?"
"I didn't say anything. I have taken a week to think matters over."