to marry a man of the eminence of Mr Thomas! Now do you see our game? We

know they contemplate a move; and we wish to forestall 'em. Down you

go to Hampton Court, where they live, and threaten, or bribe, or both,

until you get the letters; if you can't, God help us, we must go to

court and Thomas must be exposed. I'll be done with him for one,' added

the unchivalrous friend.

'There seem some elements of success,' said Gideon. 'Was Schmidt at all

known to the police?'

'We hope so,' said Michael. 'We have every ground to think so. Mark

the neighbourhood--Bayswater! Doesn't Bayswater occur to you as very

suggestive?'

For perhaps the sixth time during this remarkable interview, Gideon

wondered if he were not becoming light-headed. 'I suppose it's just

because he has been lunching,' he thought; and then added aloud, 'To

what figure may I go?'

'Perhaps five thousand would be enough for today,' said Michael. 'And

now, sir, do not let me detain you any longer; the afternoon wears

on; there are plenty of trains to Hampton Court; and I needn't try to

describe to you the impatience of my friend. Here is a five-pound note

for current expenses; and here is the address.' And Michael began to

write, paused, tore up the paper, and put the pieces in his pocket. 'I

will dictate,' he said, 'my writing is so uncertain.'

Gideon took down the address, 'Count Tarnow, Kurnaul Villa, Hampton

Court.' Then he wrote something else on a sheet of paper. 'You said you

had not chosen a solicitor,' he said. 'For a case of this sort, here is

the best man in London.' And he handed the paper to Michael.

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