Mr. Plume nodded. "It ought to do it."
Keith's reply to this note was sent that night.
It stated simply that he did make the charge, and if Mr. Wickersham wished it, he was prepared to prove it.
Wickersham's face fell. "Matheson's been to him."
"Or some one else," said Mr. Plume. "That Bluffy hates you like poison. You've got to do something and do it quick."
Wickersham glanced up at Plume. He met his eye steadily. Wickersham's face showed the shadow of a frown; then it passed, leaving his face set and a shade paler. He looked at Plume again and licked his lips. Plume's eye was still on him.
"What do you know!" he asked Plume.
"Only what others know. They all know it or will soon."
Wickersham's face settled more. He cursed in a low voice and then relapsed into reflection.
"Get up a strike," said Plume. "They are ripe for it. Close her down and blow her up."