"Very well, sir. In return I will give you what is in here,"
"I do not like this distrust!" cried Maxwell, angrily.
"I am a country woman, sir; I know nothing of London ways."
She was evidently obdurate, and there was silence for a few minutes. Then Archie made another attempt to extract information from her.
"Where did you find this--whatever it is?"
"I will tell you, sir, when you have it in your hands."
"Do you know to whom it belongs?"
"No, sir."
"It seems to me that I am paying a heavy price for what is of comparatively little value."
"I may be able to tell you something in addition to giving this to you."