The detective and Bill sprang to their feet. George continued: “It's going to change hands either tonight or to-morrow. If you two will do just as I tell you and leave the rest to me, we shall bring off a capture. To-morrow evening I will explain everything.”
The detective asked eagerly; “Is it a certainty?”
“Almost. It will be touch and go; but if we miss it this time it is a certainty for the immediate future. I swear this, that if you keep in touch with me you will be nearer the cat than you will ever get by yourselves.”
Sincerity shone in his eyes from these words. The detective and Bill were fired with zeal.
“Take command, sir!” said Mr. Brunger.
“All right. Come with me. I will post you for the night. We have some distance to go. Don't question me. I must think.”
“Not a question,” said the detective: he was, indeed, too utterly bewildered.
George murmured “Thank heaven!”; took his hat; led the way into the street. In dogged silence the three tramped through the rain.
V.
George led for the Clifford Arms, some two miles distant. For the present he had but one object in view. He must get rid of Bill and this infernal detective; then he must speed the cat from Temple Colney.