"By asking him."

"And exciting his suspicions. Yes, a pretty way of doing, certain."

"Never do you mind; leave that to me; and if we don't know all we want to
know by morning, you may call Bill Mitchel a fool; and the fellow won't
suspect anything, either."

"Well, go ahead, but don't make a fool of yourself, nor spoil the job we
have in hand, neither."

"I'll take care for that; only you be cautious, and don't say too much, and
when you do speak, throw off your rough manners and talk and act like a
gentleman. I am afraid you will forget yourself, and instead of being Mr.
Richard, will act the part of ruffian Dick."

"Never do you fear; 'ruffian Dick' knows what he's about, and you'll see
how handsomely he can act 'Mr. Richard' to-night."

"Very well."

With this understanding between them, they returned to the inn, which, by
the way, was a very primitive establishment, not only in construction, but
also in the character of the entertainment.

Bill worked his card so as to draw Hadley into conversation, and
incidentally, but designedly, remarked that they (himself and his
companion) had passed through C---- two days before.