Ebenezer Brown read it through carefully; then, after one or two protests as to the amount, he prepared to sign it, but he paused, saying:
"No evidence; no pay?"
Gerard looked the old man full in the face, and answered:
"You can add that. I promise you full and convincing evidence."
The deed was signed and witnessed to by Gifford and the old housekeeper, aroused from her sleep for the purpose. A few minutes later the three G's were leaving the house. As they emerged from the gate the bright head lights of a motor picked them out distinctly, before the car swept by, leaving a blacker darkness behind it.
"Did you see those three, Cairns?" asked Denis Quirk, who was racing towards "The Mercury" office in company with his editor. "There's mischief on foot when you see insects like those together."
"Ebenezer Brown has been having a card party," laughed Cairns. "Cards and wine."
"And light talk? It's a pity there is no law for the destruction of vermin of the human sort!"
"Did you see who was in the car?" Garnett asked Gerard.
"I think it was Quirk himself and Cairns," replied Gerard. "Probably they have been writing an article about you; something hot and strong. Quirk knows where to strike, and he hits hard."