"I didn't like to do that without orders," whimpered Vraik. "You see, I 'adn't got no orders so far as he was concerned."
"H'm. Well, of course, it is possible the man may not be Hain after all."
"Well, if 't'aint, it's 'is twin--goin' by the description," said Vraik, with emphasis. "But you just ask the Major cove about him."
"I intend to. But I'm pretty certain that the Major cove, as you call him, won't tell the truth."
"You let me tackle him, Mr. Maller, and I'll soon screw it out of 'im."
"No," said Mallow, sharply. "I'll call on him myself. You continue to watch Major Semberry until I have seen him. But if you should chance to meet Hain again, give him in charge. I'll take the responsibility."
"Oh, as long as you do that, I don't care. I'll just get back to Marquis Street, and keep an eye on the Major cove, but it's hard work, sir, and precious dry."
"Here's half-a-sovereign," said Mallow, tossing him the coin. "Don't get drunk on it."
Vraik slipped the piece into his pocket with a grin.
"Lord bless you, sir, I weren't born yesterday! I'm square, I am;" and he slunk away in the darkness, leaving Mallow more than a trifle disgusted at being obliged to come into contact with so degraded an animal.