"If she does she will lose her fortune."
"That remains to be seen," said Maunders airily. "Hang old Dimsdale, what objection can he have to me?"
"Your aunt might tell you," said Vernon significantly. The blood rushed to Maunders' cheek, and he looked searchingly at his friend, but not agreeably. "What do you mean?"
"I mean that I can only consent to take you into partnership if you succeed in capturing The Spider," said Vernon slowly and somewhat evasively.
"Who is The Spider?"
"I think you know, if not from the newspapers, then from Mrs. Bedge."
Maunders looked at the ground. "So old Dimsdale told you?"
"Yes. He wished to enlist my services on behalf of your aunt to capture this blackmailing beast."
"Oh; and do you intend to?"
"No. I intend to leave the capture to you."