Dentham looked at her stealthily, and scratched his chin with one lean finger, evidently debating in his own mind if it would not be better to make terms before parting with his information. Teddy saw this was his feeling, and, although as a rule a good-tempered fellow, felt thoroughly enraged at the mean spirit displayed by this unpleasant-looking individual.
"Come, my man," he said sharply, "do you hear what the lady says? Tell us what you know about Mr. Lancaster and you will be paid accordingly."
"How much, sir?" demanded Dentham in a tone of covert insolence, whereat Rudall completely lost his temper, and was about to step forward with no very amicable intent, when Olive stopped him.
"If your information is worth anything, I will give you fifty pounds," she said quickly; "half before you leave this room, and half when Mr. Lancaster is found."
The eyes of the spy sparkled, as he had not anticipated being paid so well. He was not certain of the whereabouts of Adrian Lancaster, but he knew what he had to tell would certainly gain him twenty-five pounds, so he was quite content to sell his information for that sum.
"Very well, mum," he said with a pleased smile, "I'm sure I'm agreeable—I'll tell you all I know, but first, mum, will you look at this?"
He took the stick out of the brown paper and handed it to Olive, who flushed violently as she examined it.
"It's Adrian's!" she cried.
"Jove! so it is," remarked Teddy, taking it from her, "here are his initials on the band."
"I knew I was right, mum," said Dentham with a gratified grin. "When I saw him looking at your advertisement about Mr. Lancaster, I said to myself, this is his stick, 'cause the letters of the name are the same."