"You won't get the reward!" cried Cicero in an agony.
"Oh yes, I will; I'm as clever as you are, Billy. Thank you for the idea!"
"You won't work with me?"
"No," said she firmly, "I won't; I know you of old, and I want you to keep out of my way. Leave this village and I'll give you twenty pounds."
"What! when there is a chance to make two thousand! No, Clara Maria."
"Then earn the reward yourself. There's Joe Brill, he might tell you what you want to know," mocked Mrs. Warrender. "My husband said he was with Marlow for thirty years."
"I wish I could ask Joe Brill," said Cicero gloomily. "Ever since he tipped me the sovereign I have suspected Joe Brill; but he's gone!"
"Gone! Gone where?"
"I don't know. I only heard the news to-night. He's gone away without a word, and vanished!" And Cicero groaned.