“Consider yourself asked, Burtis,” Gerald laughed.
“Answer!” commanded Ned. “We are all friends together and our motto is ‘Discretion.’”
“Why—why—” Kendall stammered. “It isn’t my secret. You see— Well, I do know about it, but I oughtn’t to tell. I refused to tell Mr. Collins, and that’s why he put me on probation. I didn’t want them to get into trouble.”
“Didn’t want who to get into trouble?” asked Ned with the manner of a Grand Inquisitor.
“Those fellows.”
“What fellows?”
“The fellows who—who did it.”
“You mean the Broadwood fellows?” asked Dan quietly.
“Yes—no—”
“Then Broadwood did do it!” exclaimed Ned triumphantly. “I knew it! Now tell us all about it. We all swear secrecy, Curt. By yon gleaming orb we pledge ourselves to never divulge what we are about to hear! Proceed!”