"It ees a great pity zat man came to help Mistair Amberton," went on the Canadian. "Who is he, do you know, Mistair Hammerditch?"
"His name is Marden and he is Amberton's nephew."
"He seem to be verra smart, as you call heem."
"Perhaps he is smart, Le Fevre. But I don't think he can outwit me," returned Oscar Hammerditch. He was one of the kind of men who hold a very exalted opinion of themselves.
The French Canadian nodded his round head rapidly.
"No, he cannot outwit you—nor Jean Le Fevre. Once we have ze map and all will be well."
At that moment the clerk came forward again.
"Mr. Ruggles is at liberty now," he said to Robert. "You had best go in at once, before one of the clerks engages him."
"Thank you, I will," answered the boy.