"Certainly," answered Nevis; and Thorne joined the group.
"Even if it is, this isn't the place to discuss it!" he broke in. "Perhaps I'd better mention that if Hunter isn't in town already he will be very soon."
Nevis looked around at him, and Thorne fancied that the man, who was evidently filled with savage resentment, intended, with some vindictive purpose, to take the gathering group of bystanders into his confidence. Several more men were ascending the steps.
"Have you any reason to doubt what I'm saying?" he asked.
"Well," drawled Thorne, "there's your general character, for one thing."
Some of the others laughed, but it occurred to Thorne that his interference had not been particularly tactful when one of them asked a question.
"Are you telling us that Hunter, who has plenty of money, lets his wife go borrowing from people like you?"
"I can't say that he lets her," Nevis retorted meaningly. "I've the best of reasons, however, for being certain that she does so."
There was an awkward silence, which indicated that all who had heard it grasped the full significance of the last statement. Nevis smiled as he glanced round at them.
"You mean he doesn't know anything about it?" somebody exclaimed.