enon, and for this phenomenon you are willing to pay something handsome—a vague expression. Put it into £ s. d."
Rugge. "Sir, if she can be bound to me legally for three years, I would give £100. I did offer to Waife £50—to you, Sir, £100."
Losely's eyes flashed and his hands opened restlessly. "But, confound it, where is she? have you no clew?"
Rugge. "No, but we can easily find one; it was not worth my while to hunt them up before I was quite sure that, if I regained my property in that phenomenon, the law would protect it."
Mrs. Crane (moving to the door). "Well, Jasper Losely, you will sell the young lady, I doubt not; and when you have sold her, let me know." She came back and whispered, "You will not perhaps now want money from me, but I shall see you again; for, if you would find the child, you will need my aid."
"Certainly, my dear friend, I will call again; honor bright."
Mrs. Crane here bowed to the gentlemen, and swept out of the room.
Thus left alone, Losely and Rugge looked at each other with a shy and yet cunning gaze—Rugge's hands in his trowsers pockets, bis head thrown back—Losely's hands involuntarily expanded, his head bewitchingly bent forward, and a little on one side.
"Sir," said Rugge at length, "what do you say to a chop and a pint of wine? Perhaps we could talk more at our ease elsewhere. I am only in town for a day—left my company thirty miles off—orphans, as I said before."
"Mr. Rugge," said Losely, "I have no desire to stay in London, or indeed in England; and the sooner we can settle this matter the better. Grant that we find the young lady, you provide for her board and lodging—teach her your honorable profession—behave, of course, kindly to her—"
"Like a father."
"And give me the sum of £100?"
"That is, if you can legally make her over to me. But, Sir, may I inquire by what authority you would act in this matter?"
"On that head it will be easy to satisfy you; meanwhile I accept your proposal of an, early dinner. Let us adjourn—is it to your house?"
"I have no exact private house in London; but I know a public one—commodious."
"Be it so. After you, Sir."
As they descended the stairs, the old woman-servant stood at
