I only want to hear one thing; that you expect to trace
the disgraceful couple. I'll see to it"--his voice rose almost
to a shout--"that Vane is kicked out of the service, and as to
that shameless brat of Bramber's, I wish her no worse than the
blackguard's company!"
"One moment, Sir Howard, one moment," said Harley quietly; "there
are always two sides to a case."
"What do you mean, Mr. Harley? There's only one side that
interests me--the outrage inflicted upon my hospitality by this
dirty guest of mine. For the girl I don't give twopence; she was
bound to come to a bad end."
"Well," said Harley, "before we pronounce the final verdict upon
either of them I should like to interview Bramber. Perhaps," he
added, turning to Wessex, "it would be as well if Mr. Knox and I
went alone. The presence of an official detective sometimes awes
this class of witness."
"Quite right, quite right!" agreed Sir Howard, waving his cigar
vigorously. "Go and see Bramber, Mr. Harley; tell him that no
blame attaches to himself whatever; also, tell him with my
compliments that his stepdaughter is------"
"Quite so, quite so," interrupted Harley, endeavouring to hide a
smile. "I understand your feelings, Sir Howard, but again I ask
you to reserve your verdict until all the facts are before us.
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