"It's a matter of four or five thousand. Do you want to risk it?"
"Come on, Haggerty!" cried Forbes, with good understanding. He caught the detective by the arm and pulled him toward the door. But Haggerty hung back sturdily.
"Is this straight, Mr. Crawford?"
"Half an hour; otherwise not a penny."
"All well an' good; but I'll hold you responsible if anything goes wrong. I'm not seeing things clear."
"You will presently."
"Four thousand for half an hour?"
"To a penny."
"You're on!"
The three of them marched off to the billiard-room. Killigrew touched Kitty's arm and motioned her to follow. She was rather glad to go. She was on the verge of most undignified tears. When she had gone in search of Mrs. Crawford, Killigrew walked over to Thomas and laid a hand on the young man's shoulder.