"What do you mean?" There was ill-disguised alarm in Mr. Hearty's voice.
"I see an ole pal o' yours yesterday, 'Earty," said Bindle as he opened the door again. "Ratty she was with you. She's goin' to make trouble, I'm afraid. Well, s'long 'Earty! I must be orf;" and Bindle went out into the passage.
"Joseph," called out Mr. Hearty, "I want to speak to you."
Bindle re-entered. Mr. Hearty walked round him and shut the door stealthily.
"What do you mean, Joseph?" There was fear in Mr. Hearty's voice and eyes.
Bindle walked up to him and whispered something in his ear.
"I—I——" Mr. Hearty stuttered and paled. "My God!"
"You see, 'Earty, she told me all about it at the time," said Bindle calmly.
"It's a lie, a damned lie!" shouted Mr. Hearty.
"'Ush, 'Earty, 'ush!" said Bindle gently. "Such language from you! Oh, naughty! 'Earty, naughty!"