Mr. Campion’s pale face showed no astonishment. “I’d heard that, but I’d also heard that his name was excellent.”
“It is.” Oates was vehement. “I’m saying nothing against him. He’s done nothing illegal and nothing reprehensible. Gambling is the only thing they don’t call you to account for these days. It’s not like working; you can be penalised for that. Gambling is respectable. I have two bob on the pools myself every week. I’ve got to think of my old age. My pension won’t keep me. I only say that boy Levett is not unadventurous. He’s not a man who doesn’t take risks. For over two years he took risks all the time, and once you’re used to taking risks, you’re used to ’em. The drawbridge is down. You’re not impregnable any more.”
Charlie Luke had begun to fidget. The muscles of his back s
