‘Found out who he is yet?’ asked the sergeant. ‘No,’ said Preene; ‘but I’m sure he’s a swell, and he’s making quietly for his home, wherever it is. I suppose it’s sure to be pretty straight against him?’ ‘I’ll take care of that,’ answered the sergeant. ‘But this case won’t pay, you know. There’s no reward. Won’t it be worth your governor’s while to pay a good one? You see if this chap’s convicted there’s an end to all inquiries about the forged cheques. You get him out of the way for a year or two and wipe the slate clean. I suppose the principal in the affair’s right, ain’t he?’ ‘Right? I should think so,’ answered Mr. Preene. ‘Look here, governor, you nab this fellow, and make him safe for a year or two, and I’ll promise you a hundred on my own hook. Never mind about the woman; she’s never seen any of us, and can do no harm. She might complicate the case. I’ll say a hundred and fifty—there!’ With which magnificent offer Mr. Preene held out his hand to the sergeant, and shortly afterwards they parted. Sergeant Iveson bided his time before he looked for the runaway, In the interests of the firm of Smith and Co., Mr. Preene desired him not to act too precipitately. Smith and Co. wished to remove all trace of their connection with certain city offices and financial transactions before that accomplished forger, Mr. George Smith, was put upon his trial. Practically, for the present, the firm’s City business was dissolved. Brooks had gone down to Dover on an important matter, and Marston had followed him. Preene was in town, busy at his private residence over some mechanical operation in which he seemed to take a deep interest, and Josh Heckett had gone to a quiet little place in Surrey, for the benefit of his health. It is singular that when he arrived with his travelling bag at a little inn some short distance from Heritage Park he wore the clerical garb. He was dressed in a suit of black, had on a white choker, and wore a clerical felt hat. He was accompanied by his son, a young gentleman, who treated his ‘governor’ in a most respectful manner. They didn’t talk much before the landlady, who waited on them, and they were very particular about their behaviour. But when they went out for little strolls in the neighbourhood, the clergyman called his son ‘Boss,’ and garnished his conversation with strange, unclerical oaths. And Master Boss called his revered parent ‘Josh, ’and pattered to him in Mint slang, as though his education at the university had consisted of this very living language to the utter neglect of all the dead ones. CHAPTER XXXII. FATHER AND DAUGHTER. Bess was saved from witnessing the terrible scene of her husband’s degradation. Old Marks, beside himself with grief and horror, yet had the presence of mind to keep her in the lodge. He persuaded her that her husband’s safety depended upon her not being seen, and she stopped indoors throughout all the riot and hubbub.