Although so many of the gang had been swept into the meshes of the net with Larry there still remained--as was inevitable in such a wide spread organisation--a number of associates whom it was essential to run down. There was still more work in planning a course of campaign among those merely suspected to be associates. In one or two cases it was decided to make arrests with the reasonable certainty that evidence to justify them would arise at a later stage. Now that Larry's reign was over the detectives anticipated no difficulty with a class of informant which had been rather shy while he remained at liberty. Among those who were to be arrested and definitely charged was Gold Dust Teddy. Detective Sergeant Down to whom was entrusted the execution of this mission, received his orders with satisfaction. The absence of Teddy was likely to make a difference in the statistics of crime. "That's the lot," said Labar, at last. "We'll be able to use Stebbins as King's evidence if the Public Prosecutor agrees. Not that the evidence isn't clear enough without him. I suppose that I'll have to see him now." Marlow looked at his watch. "Not till after the court proceedings you won't. Moreland had a chat with him some time after midnight. All clear cut on the general matter. Every one will be charged to-day with stealing and receiving the Gertstein stuff. It's only formal to-day and other charges can be added at the next hearing." "There's Mrs. Gertstein. I'm sure she was not in the robbery." "No," said Moreland. "Do you think that I'm an ass. The case against her is attempted murder and forgery." "Plain sailing as far as things go at present," said Marlow. "But Larry won't go down without a struggle. Take it from me that if there is anything money can do it will be done. If there is any weakness in the case it will be pulled to pieces at the Old Bailey." To this proposition neither of the inspectors deemed it worth while to reply. Indeed, it was self-evident. It would be doing Labar an injustice to say that he did not care what happened at the trial. Theoretically, of course, he should be as impartial as the jury. It was his business--theoretically--to apprehend rogues on reasonable suspicion, and to leave the question of their guilt or innocence to the court. In actual fact though prepared to present his case with fairness he was determined to strain every nerve to ensure a conviction. He had covered every possible point where evidence might be gathered according to his own abilities, but he was certain that the distinguished counsel who occupied the post of Public Prosecutor would point out other weaknesses and ask him to follow up certain lines to strengthen the case. Human nature is human nature even in the police force.