Horace dropped down heavily and loaded his pipe. While he was lighting up, he listened to Allen's questions. But Allen did not begin before he had explained the purpose of his inquiries.
"I am engaged to Miss Strode," said Allen, "but she refuses to marry me until I learn who killed her father."
"Very right and just," nodded Parkins.
"Well, I'm trying to hunt out the criminal, and I should like you to help me."
"I'm with you right along, Hill. Fire away with your questions."
Allen began: "Did Mr. Strode ever tell you he had money?"
"Yes. He made a lot in South Africa and not in the most respectable way. I don't like talking ill of the dead, and of the father of the girl you're going to make Mrs. Hill, but if I am to be truthful----"
"I want you to be, at all costs. The issues are too great for anything false to be spoken."
"Well then, I heard a lot about Strode in Africa before we steamed together in the Dunoon Castle.. He made his money in shady ways."
"Humph!" said Allen, "I'm not surprised, from what I've heard."