“He is an old friend of poor Alec’s, who was always singing his praises, and said he could do anything, find out anything if he only liked. You remember when I was carried off in the cab? Well, Alec went to him, and he told Alec how to find me. He is the man to help us, I feel certain.”
“What is his name, and where does he live? I will go at once.”
“He is called Soft Sam. Very likely that is not his real name, and you will learn where to find him at the Golden Bar. Get Ruby and Florrie to ask some of the customers. They will know who, and you will soon find out.”
CHAPTER XXVII
MR. HOBBS AT TEA
Those who had only seen P.-C. Hobbs in his official uniform would hardly have recognized the spruce and well-dressed gentleman, as he turned into the side entrance of his house to tea.
“My word! What a toff!” was his wife’s greeting.
But Tom smiled amiably, and produced from his tail-pocket a paper bag with a quart of his favourite prawns, which he proceeded to empty on to a plate on the table.
“Just like your extravagance, I’m sure! However I am going to make ends meet while you are squandering all your money on that rubbish I don’t know.”
“Only sixpence, Bell, and he gave me good measure.”
“That’s just like you! Only sixpence! But where is the money to come from, I should like to know? Any one would think we had a fortune by the way you go on.”