“Yes, me.”

“I am astonished.”

“You will be more so when you hear that the coiners not only now exist in the south of England, but that through them I heard of Farmer Bertram’s murder, and tracked you.”

“Impossible!”

“No, it isn’t. Here is a person who will explain all things,” said Captain Jack, rising and bowing to a thick-set, military-looking man, who entered.

“Mr. Phillip Redgill, allow me to introduce you to a friend of mine,”

“What name?” asked Phillip, colouring.

“Colonel Blood!” said Captain Jack, with a demon-like sneer.

“Betrayed!” sighed Phillip.

“Yes; why not, you had no more money?” whispered Captain Jack, “so therefore I have no further use for you. It’s quite a common plan with detectives.”