“That is true, sir,” replied Edgerton, returning the smile tenfold, and speaking with marked emphasis. “Now,” he continued, “if you’ll hand over the cash, squire, I’ll go.”
“Oh! but you have not told me how you gained possession of the brooch yet.”
“Well,” laughed the other, “I was not aware it was in the bargain for me to reveal all my slight-of-hand performances, though it was easy enough done. You see I had my eye on the woman, and one day she fainted in the street, and I very humanely went to her assistance; a little maneuvering and the thing was mine.”
“Where does she live?” asked the squire, scowling darkly.
“Couldn’t say just now, squire; but perhaps I can find out,” replied Edgerton, with a sly glance at the dark face before him.
“Well, at all events, you have earned your hundred dollars easily enough.”
He handed him the other fifty as he spoke.
“Just keep your eye open, and report occasionally, and you shall be well paid for it.”
“All right; and now I will say good-evening to you, sir. It is some distance back to the city, and it is getting late.”
Ronald Edgerton passed out into the night, leaving Squire Moulton to indulge in more pleasing reflections than he had enjoyed this many a day.