Patmore stopped abruptly in his recitation.
“And that, gentlemen,” said Melun, nodding towards the men, “is absolutely true.
“It is also true,” he continued, “that to win this vast amount of money it was necessary to lay out a certain amount of capital. I hadn't the money on hand, and it was inadvisable to approach the usual sources.
“I trusted”—and there was an increased bitterness in his voice—“I trusted this man Robinson.
“But, would you believe me, gentlemen, I have just discovered that he is not Robinson at all, nor Smith, nor Jones—nor anyone, indeed, of small importance in this world?
“Now, gentlemen, it would be inadvisable at this moment to tell you precisely who he is, but one thing I may tell you, and that is that he is a gentleman of title, and a man of wealth and position.”
The men turned their wondering gaze on Westerham.
“Now, for what purpose do you suppose that a man of title, of wealth and position is mixing himself up with our affairs?”
Melun paused for a few minutes, and watched with satisfaction intelligence dawn on the stupid, brutal faces before him, which stared first at himself in amazement, and then gloomily and savagely at Westerham.