Maunders opened his eyes. "But, my dear chap, I know nothing about The Spider, as you call this man, to say nothing of detective business."
"Yet you wish to become Nemo's partner," said Vernon, very drily. "See here, Maunders, it's no use beating about the bush. I shan't take you as my partner unless you catch this man and so prove your capability."
"And suppose I tell everyone who Nemo is?" asked Maunders with an ugly look.
"You can do so if you like," rejoined Vernon coolly, "for then there will be no Nemo. I shall simply leave England and seek my fortune in Africa. And, after all, I don't see why you should refuse this test. It's to your own advantage that he should be caught, unless you want your aunt to pay five thousand pounds."
"Bosh! What The Spider says is a lie."
"I daresay; but it won't be pleasant for Mrs. Bedge to know that her friends receive cards stating you are her natural son."
"It's an infernal lie," raged Maunders, the blood flushing his cheek and making him look handsomer than ever. "I am not a bit like my aunt in any way. It is true that her sister was my mother, but I take after my father."
"Constantine Mavrocordato!"
"Dimsdale told you that; he seems to have imparted a lot of my private affairs to you," observed Maunders acidly.
"They are quite safe with me as Nemo. I don't use my private discoveries to blackmail people."