“Some two weeks ago, colonel, I heard him say that there were two proclamations out about an attempted murder and a forcible abduction case which took place in the village of Darlington not long since. One and the same person is concerned in both transactions, and altogether a reward of £500 is offered.” “Impossible!” said Colonel Blood, biting his lip. “I have never seen any of these proclamations.” “Perhaps not, sir; but Captain Jack said, the last time I saw him, that he had particular reasons for not having them posted up earlier.” As Bates spoke, Colonel Blood looked straight into his eyes; but so well did Bates play the hypocrite, that Colonel Blood had not the slightest notion that he was aware of the real facts of the case. “And where are these two proclamations, Bates? Have you one with you?” “Yes, colonel,” said Bates, displaying both at once. “Strange affair,” said Blood, biting his lips in anger, “I never heard of all this before.” Old Bates said not a word; but he could not help but remark how Colonel Blood’s eyes flashed with anger, and, in his sleeve, he laughed. “And so these are the two proclamations you speak of, eh?” said the colonel, unfolding and reading them. “How did you get them?” “Captain Jack gave them to me.” “Damn Captain Jack!” said Blood, stamping his foot in anger; “and so he has gone down to Darlington to investigate these affairs, eh?” “Yes, that was his intention. He said he made sure of finding out who it was who not only attempted to murder Andrew, but who abducted the girl also.” “Ha! then he is very clever,” said the colonel. After a pause, he added— “Important business obliges me to leave town to-night. I must run down to Darlington and arrest this troublesome fellow. Captain Jack is no longer to be trusted: he is not now an officer of the crown, and, therefore, has no business to trouble himself about what does not concern him.” “Leave town to-night, colonel!” said Bates, as if surprised. “Yes, to-night.” “It is a dangerous journey.” “Oh, as to that I have no fears,” said the colonel; “no one will ever dare to attack me.” “But what are we to do in the mean time?” said cunning old Bates. “Are we to give any attention to these two proclamations?” “No, I think not,” said Blood, “at least not at present; not until I return to town again. You could never discover the girl’s place of concealment.” “But one of my men says, colonel, that he does already know where she is.” “Indeed!” said Blood, anxiously. “Know where Ellen Harmer is, eh? then he must be a very clever fellow, for I don’t.” “Oh, then, colonel,” said Bates, bowing, and with a smile, “if you don’t know anything about this matter, I’m sure I do not.” “Well, no matter, Bates,” said Blood; “I’m glad I’ve seen you, for Captain Jack must be captured at once, and at all costs, for he is a troublesome, intriguing busy-body. Remain as quiet as you can until my return from Darlington. I have plenty of work in store for you.”