he address on this card. It is more
than probable that, before the week is out, I may be able to put a good
thing in your way. I suppose I can come round and see you whenever I
like."

The Major thought that would be all right. It would be just as well,
perhaps, to get his daughter out of the way. With diplomacy he might
contrive to expedite the invitation to Haredale Park, so that he could
have the ground clear without fear of interruption. He returned to the
place where his daughter was waiting for him.

At a sign from Phillips, Fielden came forward.

"Well," he asked, "how are you getting on?"

"Splendidly," Phillips replied. "I have been far more fortunate than I
anticipated. We will get some fun out of Copley and Foster yet. From
your point of view I daresay you may think I am wrong. But I mean to
make money out of this. I will expose Copley and fill my purse at the
same time. You wonder what I am driving at? Can you manage to stay here
over to-morrow?"

"I think so," Fielden said.

"That's good. In that case we can push our investigations farther and,
with any luck, before the week is out we shall not only know where
Copley gets his money, but how he makes it. Of course, we know that he
doesn't even begin as a millionaire; we know that he is an unscrupulous
adventurer. But he has the command of ready money, and we wish to know
how he makes it. As a matter of fact, I know that already. But there are
a few weak points in my case, and we can't make a definite move till
these are cleared up. Now I want you to have dinner with me in my
lodgings. I told my landlady I might have a friend staying with me, and
she will be ready to put a bedroom at your disposal."

"Why this mystery?" Fielden asked.

"Oh, it is no mystery. I only want to interest you. After dark we shall
indulge in a little quiet burglary, that is, if you don't object."

"It is not an alluring prospect," Fielden said.

"Of course it isn't," Phillips agreed. "But when you are dealing with
scoundrels it is necessary to use their own weapons. I presume you are
as interested as I am in the exposure of Copley and Foster and all their
methods."

"Up to the hilt," Fielden said between his teeth. "Poor as I am, I would
give all I possess to bring that about. I would give five years of my
life to manage that between now and Derby Day. And if necessary I can
find some money. I am better off than I expected, but I intended to keep
the money for a start i