randy and send Atkins."

Seeing that the man was resolved, Slane gave him the drink and went
out. In a few minutes Atkins entered and saluted. Jennings, after
drinking the fiery spirit, felt much better, and was fairly steady on
his legs. "Did you see any women amongst the men we took?" he asked.

"No, sir," replied the other, "there were five men. Two are
wounded--one slightly, and the other--Hale--severely. He wants to make
a confession to you, and I have sent to the office for a clerk to take
down his words. Dr. Slane says he will not live till morning."

"He will cheat the law, I suppose," said Jennings, "give me your arm,
Atkins. I want to visit the factory."

"Are you strong enough, sir?"

"Quite strong enough. Don't bother," replied the other as a twinge of
pain made him wince. "We've made a good haul this time."

"You'll say that, sir, when you see the factory. It is the most
complete thing of its kind."

"Tell the clerk when he arrives not to take down Hale's confession till
I arrive. I won't be more than a quarter of an hour. Give me your arm
when you return."

Atkins departed on his errand, and Jennings sat down, wondering what
had become of Maraquito. He made sure she would go to the factory, as
being a place of refuge which the police would find hard to discover.
But, apparently, she had taken earth in some other crib belonging to
the gang. However, he would have all the ports watched, and she would
find it hard to escape abroad. Maraquito was so striking a woman that
it was no easy matter for her to disguise herself. And Jennings swore
that he would capture her, for he truly believed that she had killed
Miss Loach, and was the prime mover in the whole business. Hitherto
she had baffled him by her dexterity, but when they next met he hoped
to get the upper hand.

His underling returned and, resting on his arm, Jennings with some
difficulty managed to get down the stairs. The whole house now blazed
with light. Formerly the detective had wondered why Miss Loach had
been so fond of electric lamps, thinking that as an old lady she would
have preferred a softer glow. But now he knew that she required the
electricity for the illumination of the factory, and for manipulating
the metals required in the manufacture of coins. There was no doubt
that she was one of the gang also, but Jennings could not conceive why
she should take to such a business. However, the woman was dead and
the gan