“My good man,” I replied quite coolly, “don’t distress yourself unnecessarily. I know very well that you are carrying on illegal transactions, and I could make things uncomfortable if I chose to give the police a hint. But I’m not a detective, and I don’t concern myself one way or the other with your doings, legal or illegal. What I came here to find out is purely a private family affair, and has nothing in the world to do with you or your betting business. A man I know has disappeared, and his family are anxious to get news of him. I’ve got an idea that he is in Stanby, and that he is having letters addressed to your care under an assumed name. Now look here. You’ve got it in your power to spoil my game, I admit; and I’ve got it in my power to give the police a hint that might be inconvenient to you. But why should you and I quarrel? Why shouldn’t we do a little business together to our mutual benefit? I can pay for any help you give, and if you’ll work with me I’ll guarantee that your name shan’t be mentioned, and to keep my mouth shut about any little business transactions of your own which you’re engaged in. Well, what is it to be? Will you accept my offer or not? You get nothing by refusing, and gain a good deal by accepting. You run this show to make money, and not for pleasure, I take it; and I’m ready to put a good deal more money in your pocket than you’d make in the general way, and not to interfere with your usual business either. I shouldn’t have supposed it wants much thinking about.” “Wot d’ yer call a good deal more money?” he asked shortly, but not without signs of coming to terms. “Five, fifteen, or twenty pounds.” “An’ who is it yer after? There’s some of my pals as I wouldn’t give no one the bulge on, and there’s some as I don’t care a crab’s claw abawt.” “My man isn’t one of your pals, I’m pretty sure, though I can’t tell you his name--anyhow, not for the present,” I answered. “But who are the pals you won’t go back on?” “Is it George Ray?” “No.” “’Appy ’Arry?” “No.” “Alf Mason?” “No.” “Bob the Skinner?” “No.” “Fred Wright?” “No.” “Give us yer twenty pun’ then. I’m on. I don’t care the price of ’arf a pint about none of the others.”