"Why shouldn't she?" retorted Slade; "it's as broad as it's long. Talk as you like, sir, it's in my mind as Zara killed Tera and stole them pearls."
Johnson reflected. This last remark set him thinking as to the advisability of telling Slade about Shackel's proposed blackmail. The man seemed intelligent and trustworthy, and an ally would be invaluable, if only to protect him from the machinations of Captain Jacob. Forthwith, Johnson related to Slade the dilemma in which he was placed, and asked for the policeman's advice and help. "For I swear," said he, with all earnestness, "that while in London I did not go near Hatton Gardens. But how am I to prove that?"
"'Tain't difficult," answered Slade; "you give me a couple of pounds and let me go up to London. I'll find out from the Jew who sold them pearls."
"Can you get leave?" asked Johnson, catching at the idea.
"Oh yes, for a couple of days or thereabouts."
"Then you go, and hard-up as I am, you shall have five pounds for your expenses and trouble. But who did you think sold the pearls? It could not have been Zara, seeing that the seller was a man."
"I'll tell you what I think when I come back," said Slade, doubtfully. "Let us go to your house, sir, and get the money. If that captain comes again to you, just tell him as the matter is in the hands of the police; you won't have no trouble with him after that, I'll bet."
Subsequent events proved Slade to be correct. Johnson gave him the five pounds, and, having obtained leave for forty-eight hours, the man took train to London with the address of the Jew in his pocket. The day after his departure Shackel made his appearance, in the full belief that Johnson would pay him the sum he had demanded. When the minister referred him to the police, Captain Jacob was considerably taken aback by his victim's daring. He protested loudly.
"Told the police, have yer?" he snarled; "well, I guess I don't want any of that kind messing up my business. You'd better straighten out things, my son, and pay me."
"I shall not pay you one penny," answered Johnson, gaining courage at the man's manifest desire to retreat. "The matter lies with the police now. If you trouble me any more, I shall give you in charge."