father was
there. Apparently some information had reached the lad, whereby he was
able to trace Tyke to the prison, and had carried to him there the
bottle of poisoned whisky. Jennings returned to town quite satisfied
that he had another clue to the existence of the coiners. Also, he
determined to satisfy himself on a point concerning Maraquito, about
which he had long been in doubt.

For the next few days Jennings did nothing. He kept away from Mallow,
as he did not wish that young man to know that he was still going on
with the case. Sometimes he went to Maraquito's place, and learned
incidentally that, as there was a chance of her being cured, she was
about to give up the gambling salon. Jennings quite expected this
information, and assured Hale, who gave it to him, that it was the best
thing Maraquito could do. "Sooner or later the police will pounce down
on this place," he said.

"As you are a detective, I wonder you haven't stopped it before," said
Hale, with an unpleasant smile.

"I had my reasons," said Jennings calmly, "besides, Maraquito has
conducted the place quite respectably. I suppose," he added idly, "you
will go abroad also?"

"What do you mean by that?" demanded Hale in silky tones.

"Mrs. Herne has gone to the Continent," said Jennings quietly, "and if
Senora Gredos gives up this very dangerous business, she may go also.
As you will be deprived of two of your friends, Mr. Hale, doubtless you
will go also."

"I might. One never knows," replied Hale coolly.

"By the way?" asked Jennings, looking round, "I was admitted by a
parlor-maid this evening. Where is Gibber?"

"I believe Senora Gredos has dismissed him for dishonesty."

"Ah, really," replied the detective, who had his own opinion. "So it
seems Senora Gredos is getting rid of her household already."

Hale winced under the eye of Jennings and turned away with a shrug. He
was apparently glad to get away. Jennings looked after him with a
smile. "I'll catch the whole gang," he murmured, and took his
departure, having learned what he wished to know--to wit, that Gibber
had disappeared.

"Without doubt he was the boy who poisoned Tyke," said Jennings, as he
walked home with a cigar for company. "I believe Maraquito is the head
of the gang, and the fatal woman that Caranby talks about. She heard
that Tyke had been arrested, and sent the boy to poison him lest he
should blab. I wonder if it was by her direction that the house w