Unkind people would have said that the flushed aspect was due to drinking, but he was perfectly steady as he got out of a hansom cab, in company with Arthur, after a short run up to town, where they had arrived by a fast train that afternoon, and taking the two small, light portmanteaus which the driver handed down, each threw his overcoat across his arm, and they walked together round the corner into Highcombe Street, made for the Clareboroughs' town house, tried the area gate, which, as they expected, was locked, and went up the steps to the front door. "How do you feel, Arthur?" whispered Roach. "Right as the mail, old man. Now then, no gammon. You keep your pecker up, and do the talking, and I'll do the business. There's nothing to mind." "Nothing to mind?" said Roach, as he raised his hand towards the servants' bell, but did not ring. "Only the handcuffs if we don't do what we want and clear off." Roach groaned. "Don't be a fool, old man," whispered the footman. "As I told you, we must do it now. The game's up, and you know what Jemmy is. There'll be no mercy, so let's make our hay while the sun shines. Pull the bell." With trembling hand Roach rang the servants' bell, and then drew a deep breath. "That's right, old man, pull yourself together. Think it's going to be a lark, and after it a fortune for us both." "Yes, I'm going to be firm now," growled Roach, hoarsely. "It's our only chance, Orthur, so stand by me." "Like an iron post, old man. That's the way, jolly's the style. Here she comes." They caught a glimpse of the housekeeper at the side window, and directly after the door was open. "Good-morning, ma'am," began the butler. "Good-morning, Mrs Barron, ma'am," said Arthur. She looked sternly from one to the other, without making way for them to enter. "Why are you two men up in town?" she said harshly. "Well, the fact is, ma'am, I had a little bit o' business to do about my savings in the sweet threes, and as the gentlemen were all in Paris, and the ladies were not expecting any company, I made so bold as to ask Mrs James Clareborough to spare me till to-morrow night and let Orthur come with me, for I don't like going through money matters without a witness." "Oh," said the housekeeper, speaking with her lips very close together, but without drawing back. "Then why have you both come here? This is not a broker's." "No, ma'am, of course not," said Arthur, with a little laugh. "I was not speaking to you, sir," said the housekeeper, turning upon him suddenly. "Have the goodness to keep your place." "Certainly, ma'am. Beg pardon, ma'am." "Now, Mr Roach; what do you want here?" "Want here, ma'am?" stammered the butler; "want here? Why, I can't go to my broker without my warrants."