Leroy, who has gone in search
of assistance."
"It's all a lie," shouted Wilfer furiously.
"Appearances would be too strongly against you, my friend. The law is 'a
hass,' as doubtless you have heard before; and when it comes in the
shape of a blue-coated, helmeted and thick-headed policeman, whose word
do you think would be believed, yours or mine?--to say nothing of this
evidence." Stooping, he picked up Leroy's gold watch and chain, which
had fallen from his pocket during his struggle with Wilfer. "I found
this is your hand. A clear case of assault and robbery, with penal
servitude to follow."
Mr. Wilfer, dazed by the thickly-meshed net drawn round him, eyed the
watch and yielded.
"Curse you!" he said. "You're a knowing one an' no mistake."
Jasper smiled.
"Thank you," he said; "a genuine compliment, and a candid one. Now then,
to business. What did you want with Mr. Leroy?"
The man looked up at the smooth, masterful face, and inwardly
acknowledged his opponent's power.
"I'm thinking, guv'nor," he answered slowly, "you heard all there was to
hear, and saw all there was to see; an' a bit more besides," he added,
as he thought of that precious gold watch he had so stupidly failed to
see.
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