A section of the crowd showed a disposition to accompany them, but Mr Gudgeon addressed these gentry in such fierce accents that they dispersed in a hurry, and left him to escort his captive out of the market-place in lonely state.
“You are making a great mistake,” Pen told the Runner. “You are searching for the Brandon diamonds, are you not? Well, I know all about them, and, as a matter of fact, Mr Brandon wishes you to stop searching for them.”
“Ho!” said Mr Gudgeon, with deep meaning. “He does, does he? Dang me, if ever I see the equal of you for sauce!”
“I wish you will listen to me! I know who has the diamonds, and, what is more, he murdered the other Mr Brandon to get them!”
Mr Gudgeon shook his head in speechless wonder.
“He did, I tell you!” Pen said desperately. “His name is Trimble, and he was in a plot with Jimmy Yarde to steal the necklace! Only it went awry, and the necklace was restored to Mr Beverley Brandon, and then Captain Trimble killed him, and made off with the diamonds. And Mr Cedric Brandon is searching for you high and low, and if you will only go to Queen Charlton you will find him there, and he will tell you that what I say is true!”
“I never heard the like!” gasped Mr Gudgeon, affronted. “A werry thorough-going young rascal you be, and no mistake about that! And how might you come to know such a powerful deal about these sparklers, might I take the liberty of asking?”
“I know Mr. Brandon well,” answered Pen. “Both Mr Brandons! And I was in Queen Charlton when the murder was committed. Mr Philips, the magistrate, knows all about me, I assure you!”
Mr Gudgeon was a little shaken by this announcement, and said more mildly: “I don’t say as I disbelieve you, nor I don’t say as I believe you neither; but it’s an unaccountable queer story you’re telling me, young sir, and that’s a fact.”
“Yes, I dare say it may seem so to you,” Pen agreed. She felt his grip slacken on her arm, and decided to press home her advantage. “You had better come with me to Queen Charlton at once, because Mr Brandon wants to see you, and I expect Mr Philips will be very glad of your help in finding Captain Trimble.”