John's reaction to the disclosure was not agreeable. It is never pleasant for a spirited young man to find himself baffled, nor is it cheering for a member of an ancient family to discover that the head of that family has been working in association with criminals and behaving in a manner calculated to lead to rock-cracking. Not for an instant did it occur to him to doubt the story. Although the Messrs. Twist and Molloy were men whose statements the prudent would be inclined to accept as a rule with reserve, on this occasion it was evident that they were speaking nothing but the truth. "Say, listen," cried Chimp, alarmed. He had been watching John's face and did not like the look of it. "No rough stuff!" John had been contemplating none. Chimp and his companion had ceased to matter, and the fury which was making his face rather an unpleasant spectacle for two peace-loving men shut up in a small room with him was directed exclusively against his uncle Lester. Rudge Hall and its treasures were sacred to John; and the thought that Mr. Carmody, whose trust they were, had framed this scheme for the house's despoilment was almost more than he could bear. "It isn't us you ought to be sore at," urged Mr. Molloy. "It's that old uncle of yours." "Sure it is," said Chimp. "Sure it is," echoed Mr. Molloy. Not for a long time had he and his old friend found themselves so completely in agreement. "He's the guy you want to soak it to." "I'll say he is," said Chimp. "I'll say he is," said Mr. Molloy. "Say listen, let me tell you something. Something that'll make you feel good. I happen to know that old man Carmody is throwing the wool over those insurance people's eyes by offering a reward for the recovery of that stuff. A thousand pounds. He told me so himself. If you want to get him good and sore, all you've got to do is claim it. He won't dare hold out on you." "Certainly he won't," said Chimp. "Certainly he won't," said Mr. Molloy. "And will that make him good and sore!" "Will it!" said Chimp. "Will it!" said Mr. Molloy. "Wake me up in the night and ask me," said Chimp. "Me, too," said Mr. Molloy. Their generous enthusiasm seemed to have had its effect. The ferocity faded from John's demeanour. Something resembling a smile flitted across his face, as if some pleasing thought was entertaining him. Mr. Molloy relaxed his tension and breathed again. Chimp, in his relief, found himself raising a hand to his moustache. "I see," said John slowly. He passed his fingers thoughtfully over his unshaven chin. "Is there a car in your garage?" he asked. "Sure there's a car in my garage," said Chimp. "Your car." "What!" "Certainly." "But that girl went off in it." "She sent it back." So overwhelming was the joy of these tidings that John found himself regarding Chimp almost with liking. His car was safe after all. His Arab Steed! His Widgeon Seven!