"It's true, I hadn't."
"There may have been other valuables where that came from."
"I don't think it," said Sims. "I don't believe the master himself knew it was so valuable."
As we walked up the Fulham Road I asked the professor what he thought of Sims.
"Simple—and honest, I fancy."
"You're not quite sure?"
"Not quite, but then I am not sure of anything in this affair yet. I suggest we go and see Mr. George Bryant. I want his permission to go over the house at Norbiton."
George Bryant lived at Wimbledon, and we found him at home. Much of our conversation went over old ground, and need not be repeated here; but the professor was evidently not very favorably impressed with Bryant. Nor did Bryant appear to think much of Quarles. He smiled contemptuously at some of his questions, and, when asked for permission to visit the house at Norbiton, he said he must consult his brother and sister.
"Except that I am keenly interested in the affair as a puzzle, I don't care one way or the other," said Quarles. "Whether you handle the money or not is immaterial to me, but I have a strong impression that I can find it."
"In that case, of course——"