"Mr. Haskins believes that you know everything," retorted Tod sharply, "and, unless you want to get into trouble, it will be best for you to speak out."
"I doan't know noting," said Geary again, and rolled his eyes ferociously at the mention of Gerald's name, "and dere's noting can hurt me. I hab sold de hotel, and nex' week I go to Jamaica."
"As a pensioner of Major Rebb's, I suppose?"
"Dat's my business, sah. Dis place no place for me, when my wife go away wid my chill'n. Bellaria dead--dat mad gal dead--an'----"
"You are wrong in thinking that Miss Durham is dead, Mr. Geary," said Tod, exploding his bombshell according to Gerald's written instruction, "she is very much alive."
Geary staggered and turned his usual green. "She alive?"
"Yes, and married to Mr. Gerald Haskins. You can tell the Major that if you like, Mr. Geary, and tell him also that we are all coming over to-morrow to demand the six thousand a year which Major Rebb has held for so long. I fear that your Jamaican pension is not very safe."
Geary stood dumfounded, clutching his breast. His dull brain could scarcely grasp the significance of this speech. But he did grasp the fact that Rebb was losing the money, and that he--Mr. Adonis Geary--would not benefit. "I tell de Major," he faltered, wheeling.
"By all means," said Tod easily. "I sent for you to be my messenger. Come, Geary, as Rebb loses the money, you had better come on our side and tell us who murdered Bellaria."
The negro turned at the door and drew himself up. "No, sah," he declared, with something of majesty, "I eat de Major's bread, and I no betray de Major." After which speech he went out abruptly.