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Upon my honour, we didn't know him, either that night or next day!" "What happened when he came in?" asked Breton. "Cardlestone asked him to sit down: he offered and gave him a drink.
"This flight of Elphick's and Cardlestone's." "I think, as I said, that they knew something which they think may be forced upon them. I never saw a man in a greater fright than that I saw Elphick in last night. And it's evident that Cardlestone shares in that fright, or they wouldn't have gone off in this way together." "Do you think they know anything of the actual murder?"
It had been apparent to Spargo, from the moment of his entering the cottage, that the two old men were suffering badly from shock and fright: Cardlestone still sat in his corner shivering and trembling; he looked incapable of explaining anything; Elphick was scarcely more fitted to speak. And when Breton issued his peremptory invitation to his guardian to tell the truth, Spargo intervened.
"Do you mean to say those two Elphick and Cardlestone would take this way?" "There is another way down the valley, by Thwaite Bridge and Hardraw," answered Breton, "but it's miles and miles round. This is a straight cut across country, and in daylight it's a delightful walk. But at night Gad! here's the rain, Spargo!"
Spargo, watching the two old men, saw them both quiver at the sound of Myerst's voice; Cardlestone indeed, began to whimper softly. "Look here, Breton," he said, whispering, "this scoundrel's got some hold on these two old chaps they're frightened to death of him. Leave them alone: it would be best for them if they could get some rest. Hold your tongue, you!" he added aloud, turning to Myerst.
Now. then, may I ask you a question or two?" "A thousand!" responded Mr. Criedir with great geniality. "Very well. Did Marbury say he'd call on Cardlestone?" "He did. Said he'd call as soon as he could that day." "Have you told Cardlestone what you've just told me?" "I have. But not until an hour ago on my way back from your office, in fact. I met him in Fleet Street and told him."
Cardlestone put aside his umbrella, produced a bandanna handkerchief of strong colours, and blew his nose in a reflective fashion. "That's a mysterious thing," he observed. "Um does Elphick know all that?" Breton looked at Spargo as if he was asking him for an explanation of Mr. Cardlestone's altered manner. And Spargo took up the conversation. "No," he said. "All that Mr.
"Nothing of the sort. I am accusing Mr. Elphick and Mr. Cardlestone of knowing more about the murder than they care to tell or want to tell. I am also accusing them, and especially your guardian, of knowing all about Maitland, alias Marbury. I made him confess last night that he knew this dead man to be John Maitland." "You did!" "I did.
Between them they managed to get Cardlestone to his bed, and Spargo, with a happy thought, boiled water on the rusty stove and put hot bottles to his feet. When that was done they persuaded Elphick to lie down in the inner room. Presently both old men fell asleep, and then Breton and Spargo suddenly realized that they themselves were hungry and wet and weary.
"I knocked three times three separate times," answered Spargo. "You should have knocked half a dozen times he may have overslept himself. He sits up late he and old Cardlestone often sit up half the night, talking stamps or playing piquet," said Breton. "Come on you'll see!" Spargo shook his head again. "He's not there, Breton," he said. "He's gone!"
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