To be brief, I am anxious
to procure a certain document in Swartz's possession."
"A certain document?" I said, looking intently at the speaker.
"Exactly, colonel."
"Which Swartz has?"
"Precisely, colonel."
"And which he stole from the papers of Colonel Darke on the night of
Mohun's combat with Darke, in the house near Carlisle?"
Mr. Nighthawk looked keenly at me, in turn.
"Ah! you know that!" he said, quickly.
"I saw him steal it, through the window, while the woman's back was
turned."
"I am deeply indebted to you, colonel," said Mr. Nighthawk, gravely,
"for informing me of this fact, which, I assure you, is important.
Swartz swore to me that he had the paper, and had procured it in that
manner, but I doubted seriously whether he was not deceiving me. He is
a _very_ consummate rascal, knows the value of that document, and my
appointment with him to-night is with an eye to its purchase from him."
"Do you think he will come?"
"I think so. He would sell his soul for gold."
"And that woman? he seems to be her friend."
"He would sell _her_ for _silver_!"
After uttering which _bon mot_, Mr. Nighthawk smiled.
This man puzzled me beyond expression. His stealthy movements were
strange enough--it was singular to meet him in this lonely house--but
more singular still was the business which had brought him.
Pages:
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232
233
234
235
236
237