You had the proper workhouse
cough, and those weak legs of yours are worth ten pound a week.
I thought I knew the glint of your eye, though. You didn't get
away from us so easily, You see."
"I have been working in that get-up all day," said he, lighting
his cigar. "You see, a good many of the criminal classes begin
to know me,--especially since our friend here took to publishing
some of my cases: so I can only go on the war-path under some
simple disguise like this. You got my wire?"
"Yes; that was what brought me here."
"How has your case prospered?"
"It has all come to nothing. I have had to release two of my
prisoners, and there is no evidence against the other two."
"Never mind. We shall give you two others in the place of them.
But you must put yourself under my orders. You are welcome to
all the official credit, but you must act on the line that I
point out. Is that agreed?"
"Entirely, if you will help me to the men."
"Well, then, in the first place I shall want a fast police-boat--
a steam launch--to be at the Westminster Stairs at seven
o'clock."
"That is easily managed. There is always one about there; but I
can step across the road and telephone to make sure.
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