“No, we’re never likely to get at the bottom of it,” said Porter; “so the sooner it drops the better.”
“It’s very odd, all the same,” said Fairbairn, “that there’s not been a single hint as to who did it. I wonder if, perhaps, we were wrong in taking for granted it was more than an accident.”
This last question was addressed to Riddell, who replied, nervously and uneasily, “No, that is, yes. It can’t have been. I’m sure it wasn’t an accident.”
His three friends looked perplexed by his sudden confusion and change of manner, and Porter had the presence of mind to change the subject.
“I hear there’s a jolly row on between Silk and Gilks,” said he. “No one knows exactly why.”
“I heard it was a bet,” said Coates.
“At any rate they’ve had a split,” said Porter.
“They never did much good while they were in partnership,” said Coates. “Young Wyndham got rather drawn in by them, I heard.”
“Rather!” said Fairbairn. “He was precious near going to the dogs altogether if old Riddell here hadn’t pulled him up.”
Riddell seemed to lack spirit to join in the conversation, which continued without him.