Edmund flushed a deeper red. “Why bracket yourself and me?” he asked.
“Because we are brothers. We are both Davorens.”
“I’m not. I gave it up ages ago. I’ve kept the name out of it all right. Welfare won’t give it away, and he learned my name before we—before we both——”
“I know. I’m very glad you have kept our name out. But that’s not the point at present. I called you back to know how we are to get rid of this stuff, to destroy it? I quite understand there would be all sorts of unpleasantness if I called in the police. What are we to do?”
“I don’t know. Unless you burn the hotel down.”
“I can’t afford that.”
“There are so many people interested. They would all be out to stop you.”
“You must find a way. You and Welfare. It’s the only way you can get clean again.”
“I can’t get clean again, except in one way. I’m afraid Welfare won’t see it. He’s used to being soiled. And, apart from the profit he was going to get, nearly the whole of his savings are there. There are plenty of pious Englishmen whose money is just as foul.”
“I don’t doubt it, but I can’t help your savings.”