“I’ll be there.”
“Mind you do,” said Captain Jack, with an ominous wink, and stalked out of the office in a swaggering manner.
“What did the officer say to you, Phillip?” the anxious father asked.
“He simply said that the case, as it at present stands, looks very awkward for Mr. Bolton.”
“Oh, is that all? Yet, methinks he is an unmannerly officer. Did you notice how he winked and blinked at you while he spoke?”
“No; did he?”
“Yes; and had I not known you well, I should have supposed you knew and had dealings with him at some time.”
Phillip attempted to smile, as he said,
“Oh, that is nothing; winking their eyes and stroking their noses is only a habit these officers have got. But,” he sighed to himself, “I am in their clutches! but will soon rid myself of the bloodhounds. He must visit me to-night. I cannot if I would go there to his den of thieves. I know the place well, and would not trust myself among the ragamuffins who meet there, no, not for a thousand pieces of gold. Curse the hour I ever met them. I am tracked and dogged. These fellows shall be removed from my path—they must be.”