"I'll bear it in mind," answered Jeffreys.
He then took his departure, well pleased at the success which had hitherto attended his proceedings in working out the designs and fulfilling the instructions of his master.
But who was that master?—and where dwelt the mysterious personage? Ah! these were points which defied all conjecture.
On the following evening, shortly before nine o'clock, Jeffreys was pacing Wilderness Row, in obedience to the appointment arranged by his employer.
He was not kept waiting many minutes, ere the youth Cæsar accosted him.
"Our master," said the lad, "has sent me to inquire of you the result of your interview with Old Death; and he desires me to assure you that he is well satisfied with your conduct of last night, inasmuch as you effectually amused your companions until their captors came up. But what of Old Death?"
"He has completely fallen into the snare laid for him," answered Jeffreys; "and will meet me and my two friends," he added significantly, "at the Stout House, Helmet Row, to-morrow night between ten and eleven."
"Good!" observed Cæsar. "Wilton and another of our master's retainers, both dressed in a suitable manner, will meet you at that place to-morrow night shortly before ten, so that you may have time to arrange the plan of proceeding together, before Old Death makes his appearance."
"I shall not fail to be there at a quarter to ten," answered Jeffreys. "Have you any further orders for me?"