"Yes, sir; it's best to trust me all in all, sir. If I know everything I can do as much as any man, but if I don't--well, sir, I may as well hand you back your money straight off."
As he proceeded to relate the details of the case to Vraik, the little man's eyes lit up, and he became more rat-like than ever.
"It's a big job," he said. "But I'm your man, sir; and if I get there with it I'll expect to be mighty well paid."
"Oh, you'll be paid well enough, I promise you that," replied Mallow.
"Very good, sir; I know what I've got to do, and I'd better go and do it. Whatever this Major does, and wherever he goes, you shall know. I'll lose no time as soon as I've got anything to report. Whew! The Athelstane Place business! I am in luck!" And Vraik wriggled himself off.
[CHAPTER IV.]
"ONE OF US."
"So, at last, you come to us!" roared Drabble, rubbing his hands.
"As you see," answered Mallow, equably; "though for me it is a leap in the dark."
"Never mind, man; there'll be plenty of light soon."