All part of the scheme!"
The elderly clerk's listeners looked at each other.
"I'll tell you what it is!" exclaimed Mr. Pawle with sudden emphasis.
"The more we see and hear of this affair, the more I'm convinced that it
is, as Portlethwaite says, a conspiracy. You know, that fellow who has
just been here was distinctly taken aback when you, Carless, informed him
that it was going to be a case of all or nothing. He--or the folk behind
him--evidently expected that they'd be able to effect a money settlement.
Now, I should say that the real reason of his somewhat hasty retirement
was that he wanted to consult his principal or principals. Did you notice
that he was not really affronted by your remark? Not he! His personal
dignity wasn't ruffled a bit. He was taken aback! He's gone off to
consult. Carless, you ought to have that man carefully shadowed, to see
where and to whom he goes."
"Good idea!" muttered Mr. Driver. "We might see to that."
"I can put a splendid man on to him, at once, Mr. Carless," remarked
Portlethwaite. "If you could furnish me with his address--"
"Methley and Woodlesford know it," said Mr.
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