"I may want you to do something for me; and, if so, you can get your
revenge. Meanwhile, here's something to keep you out of mischief, that's
to say, in drink; you'll be safer like that." He handed over the
money--about three pounds. "Mind! don't go selling any more forged
pictures, like the one the bond of which I hold, or you'll get caught.
They make the sentences for fraud pretty heavy nowadays."
Mr. Wilfer shivered. Up to now, he himself had never been imprisoned;
but other members of the gang had served various sentences, and their
reminiscences were not comforting.
"I understand, guv'nor," he said; "but what of the gal?"
"All you've got to do is wait till she comes back; or if you find her
about, let me know," replied Jasper. "Now, be off, and remember I can
lay my hands on you--and so can the police--any minute I like, so don't
play me any tricks. Good-night."
With that, Mr. Vermont turned on his heel and strode swiftly and
silently away.
Wilfer looked after him with a scowl.
"He's a clever devil," he said, as he, too, went on his way.
Clever, Mr. Vermont most undoubtedly was. His worst enemies would not
have denied him that virtue; but in this case his cleverness had
over-reached itself.
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