what condition his brother had been left in the street, but afterward
with the purpose of ascertaining why it was that Harry had been so
reticent. Then he had allured Harry on to a direct lie, and soon
perceived that he could afterward use the secret for his own purpose.

"I think we shall have to see what that young man's about, you know," he
said afterward to Septimus Jones.

"Yes, yes, certainly," said Septimus. But Septimus did not quite
understand why it was that they should have to see what the young man
was about.

"Between you and me, I think he means to interfere with me, and I do not
mean to stand his interference."

"I should think not."

"He must go back to Buston, among the Bustonians, or he and I will have
a stand-up fight of it. I rather like a stand-up fight."

"Just so. When a fellow's so bumptious as that he ought to be licked."

"He has lied about Mountjoy," said Augustus. Then Jones waited to be
told how it was that Harry had lied. He was aware that there was some
secret unknown to him, and was anxious to be informed. Was Harry aware
of Mountjoy's hiding-place, and if so, how had he learned it? Why was it
that Harry should be acquainted with that which was dark to all the
world besides? Jones was of opinion that the squire knew all about it,
and thought it not improbable that the squire and Augustus had the
secret in their joint keeping. But if so, how should Harry Annesley know