With less hesitation than he had shown to Mr. George Plunkett, for he was gathering courage now the ice was broken, Karl frankly stated why he had come, and what he wanted--some information about the criminal, Philip Salter.
"Do you know much about the case?" continued Karl--for Mr. Burtenshaw had made no immediate reply, but sat in silence.
"I believe I know all about it, sir. I was wondering whether you had unearthed him and were come to claim the reward."
"The reward! Is there an offered reward out against him?"
"Five hundred pounds. It was offered after he had made his desperate escape, and it stands still."
"He has not been retaken then?"
"No, never. We have failed in his case, I am ashamed to say. What particulars are they, sir, that you wish to hear of him? Those connected with his frauds and forgeries?"
"Not those: I have read of them in some of the old papers. I want to know where he is supposed to be; and what he is like in person."
"Our belief is that he is still in Great Britain; strange though it may sound to you to hear me say it. England or Scotland. After that escapade, all the ports were so thoroughly guarded and watched, that I don't think he could have escaped. We have a more especial reason, which I do not speak of, for suspecting that he is here still: at least that he was three months ago."
"There are a hundred places in England where he may be hiding," spoke Karl impulsively. "Where he may be living as an ordinary individual, just like the individuals about him."