"True," said Maynadier; "but the coin, being in his possession, raises a presumption against him, which he will have to lift by more than merely saying, 'it was won at cards.' The trouble, however, is, that Marbury may refuse to help--he is averse to stirring up trouble which may result in nothing. In fact, he told no one but me of the theft.--I think it would be better if I went to Annapolis--and I will go at once." An hour later, his barge ran into the landing at the foot of Marbury's garden, and he went straight up to the house, which stood on Duke of Gloucester Street. Marbury, himself, came down the steps to welcome him. "Why, Maynadier!" he exclaimed, "this is a pleasant surprise--I thought you were at his Excellency's." "I am just from Whitehall," said Maynadier. He glanced around. "Can we be overheard?" Marbury shook his head, "I am alone, except for one servant, and he is gone off until supper." Maynadier put his hand in his pocket, and drew out the doubloon. "Do you recognize this gold piece?" he asked, without preliminary. Marbury took it--looked at it, carefully, an instant--then answered. "I do--it is the one piece I recall seeing, when I counted the pirate's gold. It did not occur to me before--but, now, I remember it. It was the last piece in one of the bags.--Yes, I recollect the star and crescent, perfectly. Where did you get it?" "From his Excellency, Governor Sharpe," said Maynadier. "And from whom did he get it?" "From Sir Edward Parkington." "He is sure?" "Perfectly--it was a repayment of two hundred pounds he had borrowed, and was still in the bag, uncounted. This was the one coin, of them all, which I thought you might have noted." "And you assume that Parkington is the thief?" asked Marbury. "At least, it acquits your servants." "I never thought them guilty." "And it calls for an explanation from Sir Edward," Maynadier said. Marbury considered--frowning down at his heavy shoes, the while. "I am not disposed to go further into it," he said, at length. "I regret that I did not tell you so more promptly.--I have put you to needless trouble.--I am very sorry--I apologize.--This was a most peculiar thief, Maynadier, a most peculiar thief! He returned the money, the evening before the house-party broke--it was on my desk when I went up to bed." "And nothing with it, of course?" "Yes; a slip of paper, cut from some book, was pinned to the bag, with these words printed on it:--'For this relief much thanks.' I shall drop the matter, Maynadier." "You do not care even to identify the coin?"