"Well then, don't. Your sister will. If you want me to bring the police on your track, say so." In a furtive way, he noted Harry's start of dread, and went on. "Take the chain or a watch yourself, and if the pawnbroker is suspicious, he'll either detain it till you can give a good account of how you came by it, or send for a policeman to follow you to your lodgings." "But I am quite penniless!" cried Harry. "Then why didn't you say so, old fellow? Long as I've got a pound you're welcome to it, and always were. I'm not a fine-weather friend, you know that. There you are, two halves. That'll keep you going for a week." "But I don't want to keep borrowing of you," said Harry. "We have enough to do what I want. A sovereign will do little more than pay for these lodgings." "Enough for a day or two, old fellow, and do for goodness' sake have a little more faith in a man you have proved." "I have faith in you, Vic, and I'm very grateful; but this existence maddens me. I want enough to get us across the Channel. I must and will go." "Right into the arms of those who are searching for you. What a baby you are, Harry! Do you want to be told again that every boat which starts for the Continent will be watched?" Harry made a despairing gesture, and his haggard countenance told plainly of the agony he suffered. "My dear Miss Louie," continued Pradelle, "do pray help me to bring him to reason. You must see that you are both safe here, and that it is the wisest thing to wait patiently till the worst of the pursuit is over." "We do not know that there is any pursuit, Mr Pradelle," said Louise coldly. "Come, I like that!" cried Pradelle, in an ill-used tone. "I thought I told you that they were searching for you both. If you like to believe that you can leave your home as you did without your people making any search, why you have a right to." Harry began pacing the room, while Pradelle went on in a low, pleading way-- "Ever since Harry came to me, I thought I had done all that a friend could, but if I can do more, Miss Louie, you've only get to tell me what, and it shall be done." "You've done your best, Prad," said Harry. "Yes, but you don't think it. I could go and do all kinds of rash things; but I've been working to throw them off the scent, and I don't think, so far, I've done amiss. You're not taken yet." Harry drew a long breath and glanced at door and window, as if for a way of escape. "Come, that's better," cried Pradelle. "Take a more cheerful view of things. You want change, Harry. You've been shut up too much. Have a cigar," he continued, drawing out his case. "No? I beg your pardon, Miss Louie. Oughtn't to ask him to smoke here." Harry shook his head impatiently. "Yes; have one, old fellow. They're good. Take two or three; and, look here: go and have a walk up and down for an hour. It's getting dusk now."