“Well, I think not; you are too great a man; but that is mostly the little game of the London detectives who come interfering in a thing like this, ‘on spec,’ as you say.”
“It is not mine, I assure you.”
“Then we will make a bargain.”
“Yes, if you like.”
“Supposing my clue is right, and I get hold of the right man, you lay no claim to the reward.”
“I consent.”
“And supposing you are the successful hand, you divide the reward with me.”
“I consent to that also—but it is just possible neither of us may touch the money; there is generally a third party who brings these things to light in country districts: somebody comes and gives information of something that has escaped the police, eh?” said the London detective, with just a slightly sarcastic smile.
“There will be nothing of that sort in this case,” said the superintendent, who made up his mind there and then that, supposing a reward were offered, and that he received the announcement of the same in the morning, he would, at all risks, apprehend Lionel Hammerton.