the night wore on, evidence was, from time to time, brought in to Mr. Crafty that the enemy were at work at, their expected tricks; _e.g._-- "Jacob Joliffe is missing. Wife _says_ she knows nothing about him. _Inquire._" "Send _at least a couple_ of men to watch Peter Jiggins, or he'll be out of the way when he's wanted." "Haste--haste. G. Atkins and Adam Hutton, both safe ten minutes ago, are off; enticed out into a postchaise--gone towards York--(Half-past eleven.") "Send some one to the Jolly Snobs to watch the treating going on. _Most important._ Mr. Titmouse has been there, and drunk a glass of rum with them." Then more mysterious missives made their appearance from Mr. Crafty's own familiars. "Q.C.S.H.O.--12."--(_i.e._ "The Quaint Club still holds out.--Twelve o'clock.") "Q.C.G._W._--1/2 past 1."--(_i.e._ "The Quaint Club are _going wrong_.--Half-past one o'clock.") "S.B.; G.O. => => + => => H. 1/4 to 2."--(_i.e._ "I have seen Bran. Gammon offers ten pounds, in addition to the ten pounds already given.--They hesitate.--A quarter to two o'clock.") "3/heard & S. B. & M. w. B. O. Q. C.--12--3."--(_i.e._ "Three of our people have just overheard _and seen_ Bloodsuck and Mudflint, with Bran, offering the Quaint Club _twelve_ pounds.--Three o'clock.") "Q. C. G. R. w. Y. & C. T. T. Y. M.S. I.--4."--(_i.e._ "The Quaint Club are getting restive with _you_, and coming to terms with Titmouse. You must stir instantly.--Four o'clock.") "[Greek: Delta Delta] => 10 m. 4."--These last mysterious symbols caused Mr. Crafty instantly to bestir himself, He changed color a _little_, and went into the adjoining room. The meaning of the communication was--"_Great danger to both parties_."