"Oh, indeed," he said, twisting his mouth in derision. "Do you now? Deary me!--it's wonderful how clever some young folks is! So you know who killed Kitely, do you, my lad? Ah! And who did kill Kitely, now? Let's be knowing! Or happen you'd rather keep such a grand secret to yourself--till you can make something out of it?" "I can make something out of it now," retorted Stoner, who was sharp enough to see through Mallalieu's affectation of scorn. "Just you realize the importance of what I'm saying. I tell you once again--I know who killed Kitely!" "And who did kill him, then?" demanded Mallalieu. "Psha!--you know naught about it!" Stoner laughed, looked round, and then leaned his head forward. "Don't I?" he said, with a sneer that exceeded his employer's in significance and meaning. "But you're wrong--I do! Kitely was murdered by either you or Cotherstone! How's that, Mr. Mallalieu?" Mallalieu again regarded his clerk in silence. He knew by that time that this fellow was in possession of some information, and his characteristic inclination was to fence with him. And he made a great effort to pull himself together, so as to deal better with whatever might be in store. "Either me or Mr. Cotherstone!" he repeated sarcastically. "Oh! Now which on us would you be inclined to fix it on, Mr. Stoner? Eh?" "May have been one, may have been the other, may have been both, for aught I know," retorted Stoner. "But you're both guilty, any way! It's no use, Mr. Mallalieu--I know you killed him. And--I know why!" Again there was silence, and again a duel of staring eyes. And at its end Mallalieu laughed again, still affecting sneering and incredulous sentiments. "Aye?--and why did one or t'other or both--have it which way you will--murder this here old gentleman?" he demanded. "Why, Mr. Sharp-nose?" "I'll tell you--and then you'll know what I know," answered Stoner. "Because the old gentleman was an ex-detective, who was present when you and Cotherstone, under your proper names of Mallows and Chidforth, were tried for fraud at Wilchester Assizes, thirty years ago, and sentenced to two years! That's why, Mr. Mallalieu. The old chap knew it, and he let you know that he knew it, and you killed him to silence him. You didn't want it to get out that the Mayor and Borough Treasurer of Highmarket, so respected, so much thought of, are--a couple of old gaol-birds!"