"How so?" he asked.

"By telling all you know about this matter. One of your accomplices, we
have got dead to rights, and if you won't tell perhaps he will."

"Who have you got?" inquired Edwards, anxiously.

"That I cannot tell you now; our business is with you for the present. I
want you to consider this matter carefully. You are a young man yet, and
though you have thrown away golden opportunities in the past, you have
yet an opportunity to reform your ways, and by assisting the officers of
justice in recovering the money which you and your companions have
stolen, and in arresting the rest of your associates, you may receive
the clemency of the court, and perhaps benefit yourself materially."

Edwards was silent for a long time after this, and it was evident that
he was seriously considering the matter. The words of the detective had
made an impression upon him, but with the craftiness of an old offender,
he was debating a plan by which he might turn his admissions into
account for himself. At length he turned to Robert and asked:

"Will I be able to escape if I tell what I know?"

"I cannot promise that. But you are aware that the giving of information
which leads to the capture of your associates and the recovery of the
balance of this money, will work to your advantage very decidedly in the
mind of the judge."

"Very well," said Edwards, with a dogged sullenness, "your advice is