Mr. Bales said he knew something of the murdered man and his connections, and on making certain representations at head-quarters, he had come down “on spec,” in fact, “on his own hook.” A large reward would, no doubt, be offered for the discovery of the murderer, for it was a case of murder,--nobody in their senses could doubt that--and Lord Verner would, of course, second the Government efforts to clear up the mystery. The local officer said, mysteriously, he was not so sure of that; he believed he was on the right track; if such should prove to be the case, of course, he would have the reward, or at any rate the greatest share of it. “Certainly,” said Mr. Bales, “certainly; I have not come down here to rob you, my friend.” “Well, I think not; you are too great a man; but that is mostly the little game of the London detectives who come interfering in a thing like this, ‘on spec,’ as you say.” “It is not mine, I assure you.” “Then we will make a bargain.” “Yes, if you like.” “Supposing my clue is right, and I get hold of the right man, you lay no claim to the reward.” “I consent.” “And supposing you are the successful hand, you divide the reward with me.” “I consent to that also--but it is just possible neither of us may touch the money; there is generally a third party who brings these things to light in country districts: somebody comes and gives information of something that has escaped the police, eh?” said the London detective, with just a slightly sarcastic smile. “There will be nothing of that sort in this case,” said the superintendent, who made up his mind there and then that, supposing a reward were offered, and that he received the announcement of the same in the morning, he would, at all risks, apprehend Lionel Hammerton. CHAPTER XIV. THE CHIEF OF THE BRAZENCROOK POLICE MAKES A BOLD STROKE FOR THE GOVERNMENT REWARD. The Brazencrook officer, after sleeping upon the resolution he had made, received notification of the Government reward; and, determined not to be bilked by Mr. Bales, he went off quietly the next morning to Montem Castle, and asked for Captain Hammerton. When Lionel appeared, he said,--“Will you be good enough to come a little way with me; there is a man who has a question to ask you?” Lionel looked puzzled for a moment at the request, and then replied,--“Certainly, if you desire it.” “Yes I do,” said the officer; and without another word they went forth together. When they were outside the Castle gates, the superintendent said, “The truth is, I did not wish to make any fuss; but I went to Mr. Smith, the county magistrate, early this morning, and upon the facts that I considered it my duty to lay before him, he granted me a warrant for your apprehension; and I now claim you as my prisoner on the charge of wilfully and maliciously killing Richard Tallant.”