“But how came you by them, Luke Vine?” cried Van Heldre, who looked as much astounded as his clerk.
“How came I by them?” snarled Uncle Luke. “Do you think five hundred pounds are to be picked up in the gutter. I meant that money, and more too, for that unfortunate boy; and the more careless he was the more necessary it became for me to look after his interests.”
“You meant that money for poor Harry?”
“To be sure I did, and by the irony of fate the poor misguided lad sent his companion to steal it.”
“Good heavens!” ejaculated Van Heldre, while Crampton nodded his head so sharply that his spectacles dropped off, and were only saved from breaking by a quick interposition of the hands.
“And did the foolish fellow restore the money to you?” said Van Heldre.
“Bah! no! He never had it.”
“Then how—”
“How? Don’t I tell you I watched—hung about the place, not feeling satisfied about my property, and I came upon my gentleman just as he was escaping with the plunder.”
“And—” exclaimed Crampton excitedly.