Frank looked at him rather haughtily. "_I_ know," he replied. "I have yet to learn why you need know." "Tell him, Frank," said Mr. Ashley, with a smile. "It was a little after ten," said Frank. "Did he go out again?" asked the sergeant. "Out again at that time!" cried Frank. "No: he did not go out again. We sat talking together ever so long, and then went up to bed." "Ah!" rejoined the sergeant. It was all he answered. And he wished Mr. Ashley good day, and departed with Mr. Dare. "I am going to Oxford at Easter, Mr. Ashley," cried Frank with animation. "I am pleased to hear it." "But only as a servitor. I don't mind," he added, throwing back his head with pardonable pride. "Let me once get a start, and I hope to rise above some who go there as gentlemen-commoners. I intend to make this my circuit," he went on, half jokingly, half seriously. "You are ambitious, Frank. I heartily wish you success. There's nothing like keeping a good heart." "Oh yes, success is not doubtful. I'll do battle with all the obstructions in my course. Good afternoon, sir." William, curious and anxious, could make nothing of his books that night at home. At length he threw up, put on the notable cloak, and went down to the manufactory. He found Mr. Ashley there; and the counting-house soon received an addition to its company in the person of Sergeant Delves. He had come in search of William. Not being aware that William was allowed the privilege of spending his evenings at home, he had supposed the manufactory was the place to find him in. "I want you down at White's," said the sergeant. "Put on your cloak, will you be so good, Mr. Halliburton, and come with me?" "Do you suspect me?" was William's answer. "No, I don't," returned the sergeant. "I told you before, to-day, that I did not. The fact is"--dropping his voice to a mysterious whisper--"I want to do a little bit of private inquiry on my own account. I have a clue to the party: and I should like to work it out." "If you have a sufficient clue, the party had better be arrested at once," observed Mr. Ashley. "Ah, but it's not sufficient for that," nodded the sergeant. "No, Mr. Ashley, sir; my strong advice to you is, keep quiet a bit." They started for the butcher's, William wearing his cloak and cap, and Mr. Ashley accompanying them. Mr. Ashley possessed his own curiosity upon various points; perhaps his own doubts. "It is strange who this man can be who walks at the back of your house," observed Mr. Ashley to William, as they went along. "What can be his motive for walking there, dressed like you?" "It is curious, sir." "I should suppose it can only arise from a desire that he should be taken for you," continued Mr. Ashley. "But to what end? Why should he walk there at all?" "Why, indeed!" responded William. "What coloured gloves are you wearing?" abruptly interrupted Sergeant Delves.