"I came across my late mistress," said Geoffery Martin in explanation; "she had ventured out of the town with her new maid, and so I fleeced them royally. I did not leave them a stiver; moreover I secured this."
So saying, he spread out before them a newly-printed placard, which, translated, ran as nearly as possible in this wise—
"FIVE THOUSAND FRANCS REWARD
"Will be paid to the police or to any private person, who will secure, or give such information as may lead to the capture of, one Geoffrey Martin, lately a valet in the service of Mr. John Harkaway."
Then followed a description of his person, walk, and mode of speech.
"The said Geoffrey Martin having absconded with a large sum of money, besides property of great value, it is the duty of every man to aid in bringing him to justice."
He chose a good moment for bringing this paper in. There was a large muster of the brigands in camp.
"Five thousand francs reward," he said to his newly-made comrades generally; "you have only to turn me over to the Harkaways, and you can make a small fortune."
"You'll only find good men and true here," said Hunston.
Geoffrey Martin turned upon the latter.