d have given up his watch long ago; or that, whether he wished or
not, he had been forced to do so from want of resources. But, after
all, he certainly has managed to hold on in some way. I suppose he
has secured the co-operation of the landlord, and has got up some
business at no great distance from the place, so that on the
appearance of my messenger he was sent for at once."

"Did you see the others in the cab?"

"No; Black Bill was enough for me. I suppose the boy was there with
him."

"Don't you think it likely that Black Bill may have had some
communication with the police?"

"I have thought over that question, and it does not seem probable.
You see Black Bill is a man who has every reason to keep clear of the
police, and the very information which he would give against me would
be equally against himself. Such information would first of all lead
to his own arrest. He would know that, and would keep clear of them
altogether. Besides, he is an old offender, and beyond a doubt very
well known to them. His past career has, no doubt, been marked by
them; and this information which he would give would be to them
merely a confession of fresh crime. Finding themselves unable to
catch me, they would satisfy themselves by detaining him. Oh no;
Black Bill is altogether too cunning to have any thing to do with the
police."

"All that you have been saying," remarked Hilda, "is very well in its
way, but unfortunately it is based on the supposition that Black Bill
would tell the truth to the police. But, on the contrary, it is
highly probable that he would do nothing of the kind. He has
ingenuity enough, no doubt, to make up a story to suit his particular
case, and to give it such a coloring as to keep himself free from
every charge."

"I don't see how he could do that very well. After all, what would be
the essence of his story? Simply this: that a crime had been
committed, and that he, with some others, had participated in it. The
other offenders would be out of reach. What then? What? Why, Black
Bill, from the fact of his own acknowledgment, would be taken in
charge."

"I don't see that. As I see it, there are various ways by which a man
with any cunning could throw all the guilt on another. He might deny
that he knew any one was on board, but only suspected it. He might
swear that he and the rest were forced into the boat by you, he and
they being unarmed, and you well armed. There are other suppositions
also by