"You think that Parkington may be guilty?" he said—"that we may catch a thief, as well as an impostor? Very good! you have added a motive for his imposition. If you can prove it, we will give the sheriff a job with the halter. Where is Marbury?"
"He was in Annapolis, yesterday—he came that far with the young people. I will go up and see him."
"No—I will send for him.—I suppose there was card playing at Hedgely Hall?"
"Every night, while I was there, and I take it every night."
"Then, even if Marbury recognizes the coin, it will prove little, for Parkington can say he won it at cards."
"True," said Maynadier; "but the coin, being in his possession, raises a presumption against him, which he will have to lift by more than merely saying, 'it was won at cards.' The trouble, however, is, that Marbury may refuse to help—he is averse to stirring up trouble which may result in nothing. In fact, he told no one but me of the theft.—I think it would be better if I went to Annapolis—and I will go at once."
An hour later, his barge ran into the landing at the foot of Marbury's garden, and he went straight up to the house, which stood on Duke of Gloucester Street.
Marbury, himself, came down the steps to welcome him.
"Why, Maynadier!" he exclaimed, "this is a pleasant surprise—I thought you were at his Excellency's."
"I am just from Whitehall," said Maynadier. He glanced around. "Can we be overheard?"