"A hundred pounds is too much," said Marchdale.
"Not at all; and while I am about it, since the amount is made a subject of discussion, I shall make it two hundred, and that may benefit some rascal who is not so well paid for keeping the secret as I will pay him for disclosing it."
"Perhaps you are right," said Marchdale.
"I know I am, as I always am."
Marchdale could not forbear a smile at the opinionated old man, who thought no one's opinion upon any subject at all equal to his own; but he made no remark, and only waited, as did Henry, with evident anxiety for the return of George.
The distance was not great, and George certainly performed his errand quickly, for he was back in less time than they had thought he could return in. The moment he came into the room, he said, without waiting for any inquiry to be made of him,—
"We are at fault again. I am assured that Sir Francis Varney never stirred from home after eight o'clock last evening."
"D—n it, then," said the admiral, "let us give the devil his due. He could not have had any hand in this business."
"Certainly not."
"From whom, George, did you get your information?" asked Henry, in a desponding tone.