’That of course is possible. But we have not now to consider the whereabouts of Ophir, but the whereabouts of your reputation and your capital, both sunk in this swindle.’ Then the full truth of Herring’s words came home to the Reverend Israel. He sobbed and clasped his hands convulsively. ’Good Lord!’ he moaned, ’avert this blow from me. I am prostrate! I do not so much mind the loss of all my little savings intrusted to Trampleasure for the purposes of the mine, as the loss of my character, the ruin of my influence, the destruction of my position. I have spoken and written about Ophir, and induced so many to embark their little means in it! Believing widows and Christian old maids have ventured their all in Ophir. I have urged them to it, assuring them it was a sound venture; I have shown them the sure word of prophecy speaking of Ophir; and now, what will become of them and of me?’ ’My purpose is to ride to Launceston and have old Mr. Trampleasure arrested before he hears the news and can decamp with the money.’ ’Oh, Mr. Herring, what is to be done? What can I do to put myself right?’ ’I see one course open to you. You come with me and the constable and watch the process of salting, and help us to secure young Sampson Tramplara, or whoever does it. You will give evidence against those who are acting fraudulently. You will assist me in exposing the rascality. It will not then be possible for your good name to suffer, though your pocket may and probably will be lighter.’ ’Thank you, thank you so much, Mr. Herring,’ said the unfortunate man; ’I shall never be able to repay what you are doing for me save by my prayers. I accept your proposal. How is it to be carried out?’ ’You must go after your friends, and make some excuse for deserting them. Then return to me, and I will take you with me. I must start the constable, who is going to the same spot by another route. Stay! you have a brown speckled shawl over your arm.’ ’It belongs to a lady of my party.’ ’Take it with you. Your black suit might be visible, but enveloped in the shawl you will be unobserved amidst the heather.’ The moor was clear. No one was visible on the flank of Cosdon or on the hill-side opposite, as Herring and his companion stole cautiously under cover to a place which commanded the sluice. Herring placed the pastor at some distance from himself; he wished the constable to be with him, so that they might make a rush together on the man they desired to take. The constable had made a considerable detour; he had, in fact, worked round the hill from an opposite direction. Herring was on the look-out for him, and signed to him with a handkerchief fluttered behind a rock where to rejoin him.