Gilbert nodded that he quite understood. "About James Russell," continued Hankey. "I can put my hand on him at any time; he is kept under constant observation, though he has no idea of it. Yet it hardly seems necessary, for he walks about quite openly in the streets, sometimes alone, sometimes with his wife. They have a lame, crippled child, which they have taken out once or twice." "Is James Russell anything like this?" asked Gilbert, handing Hankey a photograph of Silwood. "About the same height, perhaps, but otherwise quite different." "Yet it is the same man," said Gilbert. "If so--and I don't doubt your word--what a splendid disguise he has assumed! Case of absconding?" asked Hankey. "Do you wish him arrested?" "By-and-by; but first I must try to get him to disgorge. He has absconded with a large sum of money." "Much?" "Between three and four hundred thousand pounds." "Nearly two million dollars!" exclaimed Hankey. "Mr. James Russell must be a pretty smart man. Two million! I confess to a certain admiration for a man who can rake in as big a pot as that. Well, I should say it would be very difficult to make a man of that calibre disgorge. How do you intend doing it?" "I thought you might be able to suggest some plan." "Well, I reckon that is possible. First thing is to get hold of Russell--and it'll have to be a tight hold, you bet." "Of course. I admit I don't see what to do; but it seems to me I remember reading of a case the Pinkertons had, in which they had the criminal seized--it was also a case of embezzlement--and kept in a room till he disgorged. They did not put him into prison; they kept him a prisoner in a room in a house of their own." "I guess something of the kind has happened," remarked Hankey; "but it sounds rather like a bit out of a dime novel. You suggest I should attempt the same game with James Russell, is that it?" "It is just an idea; I don't say you should act upon it. Is there any plan in your mind?" "Not at the moment. I'll sleep on it, and come round in the morning." "Very well. But of course you understand I wish the business concluded as speedily as possible." "Quite so. I'll be here early in the morning." Gilbert could not get to sleep easily that night. He was possessed by a feeling of intense excitement; but at last he fell into a restless slumber. It seemed to him that he had just closed his eyes when he was awakened by a loud knocking at his door. "What is it?" he cried. "It's Hankey. I must see you at once. Most urgent!" Gilbert sprang out of bed instantly, and admitted the detective. CHAPTER XXXVI "Sorry to disturb you so unceremoniously," said Hankey, "but it is necessary. I bring you unexpected news of supreme moment. Please dress, and while you are dressing I will tell you of a very startling development in the Russell affair." "Is the news good or bad?"