Page:Bailey - Call Mr Fortune (Dutton, 1921).djvu/217

206 "I beg your pardon, sir. I do not see what you wish me to say. You spoke of making a charge. Will you be so good as to state it?"

"If you must have it! This boom was begun on information which only you had besides myself. And immediately after the boom this large sum is paid secretly into your account. You must see what everybody will say—what I should say myself if I didn't know you—that you sold the plan, and this money is your price. Come, you must have some explanation for us—some defence, at least."

"I say again, sir, I know nothing of the matter. I should hope that what scandal may say will have no influence upon any one who knows my character and my career."

"Good God, man, we're dealing with facts! Where did that three thousand pounds come from?"

"I have no information. I have no idea."

For the first time Reggie spoke. "I wonder if you have a theory?"

"I don't consider it is my duty to imagine theories."

"Do you know any one who wants to ruin you? Or why any one should?"

"I beg your pardon. I must decline to be led into wild speculations of that kind."

Kimball started up. "You make it impossible to do anything for you. I have given you every chance, remember that—every chance. It's beyond