"The mission you are directed to undertake? I think it does, as you will presently see. Three years ago, Owen Lloyd having involved himself, in consequence of the serious defect of character I have indicated, in large liabilities for pretended friends, left our employment; and to avoid a jail, fled, no one could discover whither. Edward Jones, also a native of the principality, whose description, as well as that of his wife, you will receive from the superintendent, was discharged about seven years since from our service for misconduct, and went, we understood, to America. He always appeared to possess great influence over the mind of his considerably younger countryman Lloyd. Jones and his wife were seen three evenings since by one of our clerks near Temple Bar. I am of opinion, Mr. Waters," continued Mr. Smith, removing his spectacles, and closing the note-book, from which he had been reading, "that it is only the first step in crime, or criminal imprudence, which feeble-minded men especially long hesitate or boggle at; and I now more than suspect that, pressed by poverty, and very possibly yielding to the persuasions and example of Jones--who, by the way, was as well acquainted with the premises in Brook Street as his fellow-clerk--the once honest, ductile Owen Lloyd, is now a common thief and burglar." "Indeed!" "Yes. A more minute search led to the discovery, the day before yesterday, of a pocket-book behind some book-shelves in the library. As no property had been taken from that room--though the lock of a large iron chest, containing coins and medals, had been evidently tampered with--the search there was not at first very rigorous. That pocket-book--here it is--belonged, I know, to Owen Lloyd when in our service. See, here are his initials stamped on the cover." "Might he not have inadvertently left it there when with you?" "You will scarcely think so after reading the date of the five-pound note of the Hampshire County Bank, which you will find within the inner lining." "The date is 1831." "Exactly. I have also strong reason for believing that Owen Lloyd is now, or has been lately, residing in some part of Hampshire." "That is important." "This letter," continued Mr. Smith; and then pausing for a brief space in some embarrassment, he added--"The commissioner informed me, Mr. Waters, that you were a person upon whose good sense and _discretion_, as well as sagacity and courage, every confidence might be placed. I therefore feel less difficulty than I otherwise should in admitting you a little behind the family screen, and entering with you upon matters one would not willingly have bruited in the public ear." I bowed, and he presently proceeded.