"We are informed that the police have an important clue which will lead to the apprehension of at least one of the criminals. We do not know whether any special penalty is attached to the theft of the Great Seal, but a century ago the perpetrator of the crime would undoubtedly have been hanged."
Richard Hilton stared at this in blank amazement. The pains and penalties did not disturb him, but "£250 in gold and notes missing" held him spellbound. Suddenly light dawned upon him, and he burst out with "Done! And by William! That was when he collected his tools, and I wasn't watching. The scoundrel! Hi! hansom! . . . Cox's Bank. Sharp!"
Ten minutes later he was at the bank counter.
"I have lost a cheque for £215, payable to bearer, made out to self and endorsed. Please stop payment," he said.
"Very sorry, Mr. Hilton," replied the teller. "It was presented first thing this morning, and I cashed it in gold."
That evening the meeting of the Burglars' Club was held at the house of Lord Altamont, an ex-colonel of the Welsh Guards. There was a record attendance. The robbery of the Great Seal had excited general interest, but to members of the Club the accompanying details were of the gravest importance.
After the usual opening formalities had been gone through, Lord Ribston rose.
"Mr. President, I crave leave for Mr. Richard Hilton, a cadet member of this club, to speak."
Assent was given by the general silence, which was maintained when Hilton entered.