"Of course not," said Mrs. Bunce. "I am a fool."
"You are indeed, Betsy," rejoined Old Death. "And yet you are the least foolish woman I ever knew; or else I never should have made you my confidant as I have done. And now I tell you, Betsy, that I have many great schemes in my head; and I shall require your assistance. In the first place we must get hold of that boy Charley somehow or another—provided we can find out Rainford's abode, which I think is scarcely doubtful. Then we must act upon all the information we can glean from the child, and find out who his mother really is. In the next place I must ascertain all I can concerning this Jewess—this Esther de Medina. If she did steal the diamonds, she is the cleverest female thief in all England—for she has managed to get clean off with her prize; and such a woman would be invaluable to me. Besides, if she pursues the same game—supposing that she has really begun it—she will want my assistance to dispose of the property; and she will gladly listen to my overtures. Such a beautiful creature as I understand she is, could insinuate herself anywhere, and rob the best houses in London. Ah! Betsy, I must not sleep over these matters. But, hark! That's Jacob's knock!"
"Poor Jacob!" cried Mrs. Bunce, with a subdued sigh: "If he only knew——"
"Silence, woman!" cried Bones in a furious manner. "Go to the door."
Mrs. Bunce was frightened by the vehemence of Old Death's manner, and hastened to obey his command.
In a few moments she returned, followed by Jacob, who seemed sinking with fatigue.
"Well," said Old Death impatiently, "what news?"
"Give me something to eat first—for I am famished," cried Jacob, throwing himself upon a chair.
"Not a morsel, till you tell me what you have done!" exclaimed Bones angrily, as he rose from his seat.
"I will not speak a word on that subject before I have had food," said Jacob, his bright eyes flashing fire, and a hectic glow appearing on his pale cheeks. "You make me wander about all day on your business, without a penny in my pocket to buy a piece of bread——"