communicative at first, but the suggestion of something in the way of
liquid refreshment stimulated his good-nature.

"Right you are," he said. "I've had nothing today besides a mouthful of
breakfast, and when I've paid my rent I shall have a solitary tanner
left; but I 'ope you gents are not down here with a view of getting a
poor chap into trouble?"

Gurdon hastened to reassure him on that head. He was balancing a
half-sovereign thoughtfully on his forefinger.

"We are not going to hurt you at all," he said. "We want you to give us a
little information. In proof of what I say you can take this
half-sovereign and obtain what liquid refreshment you require. Also, you
can keep the change. If you don't like my proposal, there is an end of
the matter."

"Don't be short, guv'nor," Taylor responded. "I like that there
proposition of yours so well that I'm going to take it; 'alf-sovereigns
ain't so plentiful as all that comes to. If you just wait a moment, I'll
be back in 'alf a tick. Then I'll tell you all you want to know."

The man was back again presently, and professed himself ready to answer
any questions that might be put to him. His manner grew just a little
suspicious as Venner mentioned the name of Bates.

"You don't look like police," he said. "Speaking personally, I ain't fond
of 'em, and I don't want to get into trouble."

"We have no connection whatever with the police," Venner said. "In fact,