"I thought so; but now, supposing our theory of the bribing is the correct one, how and where could the boys have got the money to pay him?"
"They couldn't have got it at home."
"Do you feel sure of that?"
"I am almost certain."
"Mr. Simmons could have brought a strong pressure to bear upon them."
"However strong, Mr. De Vere would never have paid one cent. But he would have punished Matthew unmercifully."
"You have never known of his being punished?"
"No."
"Would any one outside of the family probably have known it?"
"I think so."