nk
that he had gone out at his own deliberate wish; and there, in the
fresh air, the inevitable result followed; his head swam, and he leaned
on big George for support. And here, by the one stroke of luck that
visited poor George this evening, it fell that he was just in time to
see Mr. Topcliffe himself pass the archway in the direction of Friar's
Gate, in company with a magistrate, who had supped with him upstairs.

Up to this point George had moved blindly, step by step. He had had his
instructions from his master, yet all that he had been able to determine
was the general plan to find out where the papers were kept, to remain
in the inn till the last possible moment, and to watch for any chance
that might open to him. Truly, he had no more than that, except, indeed,
a vague idea that it might be necessary to bribe one of the men to rob
his master. Yet there was everything against this, and it was, indeed, a
last resort. It seemed now, however, that another way was open. It was
exceedingly probable that Mr. Topcliffe was off for his last visit to
the prisoner, and, since a magistrate was with him, it was exceedingly
improbable that he would take the paper with him. It was not the kind of
paper--if, indeed, it existed at all--that more persons would be allowed
to see than were parties to the very discreditable affair.

And now George spoke earnestly and convincingly. He desired to see the
baggage of so great a man as Mr. Topcliffe; he had heard so much of him.
His friend was a good fellow who trusted him (here George embraced him
warmly). Surely such a little thing would be allowed as for him, George,
to step in and view Mr. Topcliffe's baggage, while the faithful servant
kept watch in the passage! Perhaps another glass of ale--

III

"Yes, sir," said George an hour later, still a little flushed with the
amount of drink he had been forced to consume. "I had some trouble to
get it. But I think this is what your honour wanted."

He began to search in his deep breast-pocket.

"Tell me," said Mr. Biddell.

"I got the fellow to watch in the passage, sir; him that I had made
drunk, while I was inside. There were great bundles of papers in the
valise.... No, sir, it was strapped up only.... The most of the papers
were docketed very legally, sir; so I did not have to search long. There
were three or four papers in a little packet by themselves; besides a
great packet that was endorsed with Mr. FitzHerbert's name, as