-act. Then, thinks I, where's the key
as belongs to that 'ere cupboard? An John an I goes upstairs to look
about us, an in noa time at aw, I sees a 'ole in the skirtin. I whips in
my finger--lor bless yer! I knew it wor there the moment I sets eyes on
the hole.'

He held up the key triumphantly. By this time, no Old Bailey lawyer
making a hanging speech could have had more command of his task.

''Ere then we 'ave'--he checked the items off on his fingers--'box
locked up--key in the 'ouse as fits it, unbeknown to John--money tuk
out--key 'idden away. But that's not all--not by long chalks--there's
another side to the affair _hal_togefher.'

Saunders drew himself up, thrust his hands deep into his pockets, and
cleared his throat.

'Per'aps yer don know--I'm sartin sure yer don know--leastways I'm
hinclined that way--as Mrs. Costrell'--he made a polite inclination
towards Bessie--''ave been makin free with money--fower--five--night a
week at the "Spotted Deer"--fower--five--night a week. She'd used to
treat every young feller, an plenty old uns too, as turned up; an there
was a many as only went to Dawson's becos they knew as she'd treat 'em.
Now she didn't go on tick at Dawson's; she'd _pay_--an she allus payed
in 'arf-crowns. An those arf-crowns were curous 'arf-crowns; an it came
into Dawson's [transcriber's note: "Dawon's" in original] 'ead as he'd
colleck them 'arf-crowns. 'Ee wanted to see summat, 'ee said--an I
dessay 'ee did. An people began to taak. Last night theer wor a bit of a
roompus, it seems, while Mrs. Costrell was a-payin another o' them
things, an summat as was said come to my ears--an come to Watson's. An
me and Watson 'ave been makin inquiries--an Mr. Dawson wor obligin
enough to make me a small loan, 'ee wor. Now I've got just one question
to ask o' John Borroful.'

He put his hand into his waistcoat-pocket, and drew out a silver coin.

'Is that yourn, John?'

John fell upon it with a cry.

'Aye, Saunders, it's mine. Look ye 'ere, Isaac, it's a king's 'ead. It's
Willum--not Victory. I saved that un up when I wor a lad at Mason's, an
look yer, there's my mark in the corner--every arf-crown I ever 'ad I
marked like that.'

He held it under Isaac's staring eyes, pointing to the little scratched
cross in the corner.

''Ere's another, John--two on 'em,' said Saunders, pulling out a second
and a third.

John, in a passion of hope, identified them both.

'Then,' said Saunders, slapping the ta