ing anything; Elphick was scarcely more
fitted to speak. And when Breton issued his peremptory invitation to
his guardian to tell the truth, Spargo intervened.

"Far better leave him alone, Breton," he said in a low voice. "Don't
you see the old chap's done up? They're both done up. We don't know
what they've gone through with this fellow before we came, and it's
certain they've had no sleep. Leave it all till later--after all, we've
found them and we've found him." He jerked his thumb over his shoulder
in Myerst's direction, and Breton involuntarily followed the movement.
He caught the prisoner's eye, and Myerst laughed.

"I daresay you two young men think yourselves very clever," he said
sneeringly. "Don't you, now?"

"We've been clever enough to catch you, anyway," retorted Breton. "And
now we've got you we'll keep you till the police can relieve us of
you."

"Oh!" said Myerst, with another sneering laugh. "And on what charge do
you propose to hand me over to the police? It strikes me you'll have
some difficulty in formulating one, Mr. Breton."

"Well see about that later," said Breton. "You've extorted money by
menaces from these gentlemen, at any rate."

"Have I? How do you know they didn't entrust me with these cheques as
their agent?" exclaimed Myerst. "Answer me that! Or, rather, let them
answer if they dare. Here you, Cardlestone, you Elphick--didn't you
give me these cheques as your agent? Speak up now, and quick!"

Spargo, watching the two old men, saw them both quiver at the sound of
Myerst's voice; Cardlestone indeed, began to whimper softly.

"Look here, Breton," he said, whispering, "this scoundrel's got some
hold on these two old chaps--they're frightened to death of him. Leave
them alone: it would be best for them if they could get some rest. Hold
your tongue, you!" he added aloud, turning to Myerst. "When we want you
to speak we'll tell you."

But Myerst laughed again.

"All very high and mighty, Mr. Spargo of the _Watchman_!" he sneered.
"You're another of the cock-sure lot. And you're very clever, but not
clever enough. Now, look here! Supposing--"

Spargo turned his back on him. He went over to old Cardlestone and felt
his hands. And he turned to Breton with a look of concern.

"I say!" he exclaimed. "He's more than frightened--he's ill! What's to
be done?"

"I asked the police to bring a doctor along with them," answered
Breton. "In the meantime, let's put him to bed--there are beds