, aye," returned Quirk, drinking deeply of some wine which stood
upon the table. "You'll live long if you wait for me to hang you. Good
night."

"Good night."

They shook hands and parted, and Quirk hurried away to his lodgings, in
order to be able to say that he had occupied his own room, etc., etc.,
in case of trouble. As he strode away, a strange little figure enveloped
in a long coat and a tattered old shawl, the better to protect it from
the weather, appeared from the shadow of an adjoining building, and
swung himself along between his crutches, muttering to himself: "Hih!
hih! get the reward for these thieves--watch the papers _I_ will--know
all about 'em--get the reward, hih! hih! hih! hih!" and the darkness
swallowed him up as it had done him who had gone before.

CHAPTER XXX.

But, Othello, speak--
Did you by indirect and forced courses,
Subdue and poison this young maid's affection?
Or came it by request, and such fair question
As soul to soul affordeth!

Shakspeare.

Mr. Delancey sat in his drawing-room conversing with General Delville;
whom he was yet allowed to believe he might one day look upon as his
son-in-law. The night was dark, and a penetrating, drizzling rain was
falling, which rendered the cheerful scene in that vast appartment all
the more bright and pleasant.

Suddenly there came a startling ring at the door bell, the sound of
which sent the blood in a hot flush to Della's temples, as she sat there
quietly between her mother and the General, with her thoughts wandering
where they chose, though she seemed to be listening to the conversation.

A servant entered, saying that a gentleman desired to see Mr. Delancey.

"Tell him I am engaged."

"I did so, sir; but he insisted upon seeing you."

"Perhaps some one bringing you news concerning the robbery," suggested
Madame D.

"Ah, perhaps so. Show him into the library and tell him I'll be with him
in a moment."

Excusing himself to his guest, the merchant sought the library. A tall
man, wrapped in a heavy cloak, his hat still on and drawn over his
brows, was walking impatiently back and forth across the floor. Mr.
Delancey turned his cold eyes upon him earnestly for a moment and
withdrew them nervously.

"Mr. Wilkins, I believe?"

"The same, sir."

"And what brings you to my house to-night?"

"That which has never brought me here before, sir, and never will
again--business of a strictly private na