“That’s right enough; it is the gipsy, who’s nearly done over. What with water and fire I’ve had my dose. But I say, old fellow, you aint agoin’ to hand me over to the ‘crushers.’ You don’t want to see a fellow lagged? Look here, this is all I’ve taken――it is as I’m a sinner. There it is; I give it up. Let me go!” Peace took the case of jewels from the gipsy. He opened it, and saw that the articles corresponded with the description given by the detective. “I don’t want you to be quodded,” said he, “but I shall just have a search before I let you go.” “S’help me goodness,” ejaculated the gipsy, “that’s every blessed thing I’ve taken; I swear to you it is, and I’ll take my Bible hoath on it. I wouldn’t deceive you. Lord! how my leg do pain me.” He turned his pockets inside out, and convinced our hero that for once he had spoken the truth. “No more burglary bis’ness for me,” cried the gipsy. “I aint good at it. One pill’s a dose.” “What made you attempt this one?” “Well, if yer must know, I was put up to it by a swell. Ah! you’ve sent a bullet into my leg, and maimed me for life, perhaps, and a stopped me a getting a couple o’ hundred quid――that’s what you’ve been and done. But you’ll let me go?” “I don’t know how you are to get clean off. I expect the officer here every minute.” “I’ve got a fast trotting prod not fifty yards hence. If I’ve strength enough left, which I think I have, to mount him, the devil himself wont catch me when once on his back.” “Go your way then――I will return,” cried our hero, as he thrust into his coat pocket the much-treasured jewel case, and made again for the wooden bridge. He passed over this, when he was met by Brickett and the detective. “Well,” said the latter, “he’s got clean off, then, after all?” “What matters that?” whispered Peace to the officer. “This is all you want――isn’t it?” and he handed the case and its contents to Wrench, who could not conceal his delight. “I am greatly indebted to you. Accept my most heartfelt thanks,” murmured the detective. “You have indeed afforded me most timely assistance.” “Keep dark for the present,” whispered Peace. “We can discuss this subject at our leisure. For the present, let it be known only to ourselves.” The detective nodded, and bent his steps in the direction of the “Carved Lion.” CHAPTER XXXIII. THE MORNING AFTER――A VISIT TO LORD ETHALWOOD――THIEVES AND “THIEF CATCHING.”