“How can I tell, sir? It is impossible to say. It can’t be hushed up.”
“It must, it shall be hushed up,” said Bayle sternly. “Now, look here; I insist upon your keeping what you know quiet for the present.”
Thickens shook his head.
“I did not tell you, but Sir Gordon suspects something to be wrong.”
“Sir Gordon does, sir?”
“Yes; he consulted me about the matter.”
“Then my course is easy,” said Thickens brightening.
“Not so easy, perhaps, as you think,” said Bayle coldly. “You must be silent till I have seen Hallam.”
“Seen him, sir? Why, it’s giving him warning to escape.”
“Seen him and Sir Gordon, James Thickens. It would be a terrible scandal for Dixons’ Bank if it were known, and utter ruin and disgrace for Hallam.”