"That's as true as true," he croaked; "but if I ain't seen 'im other people 'ave. When you told me as 'ow you thought as all this business was mixed up with the murder, I went and saw the landlord, and all them tradespeople in and about Athelstane Place. From the description I got of Hain, I know 'im as well as I know my own partner. I follered that Major cove all these days till I'm fair worn out; and when I saw him talkin' to a light-'aired man with a beard as long as yer arm, it didn't take me long to recognize Hain. I tried to sneak up close and listen but they got their matter done, and parted afore I could hear a word. "Where did you see them?" "In Poplar Street." "And when they parted, you followed one of them--which?" "That Major cove, of course--didn't you tell me to keep an eye on 'im?" Mallow was annoyed. "I wanted you to use your own discretion," he said. "You should have tracked down Hain, and handed him over to the police." "I didn't like to do that without orders," whimpered Vraik. "You see, I 'adn't got no orders so far as he was concerned." "H'm. Well, of course, it is possible the man may not be Hain after all." "Well, if 't'aint, it's 'is twin--goin' by the description," said Vraik, with emphasis. "But you just ask the Major cove about him." "I intend to. But I'm pretty certain that the Major cove, as you call him, won't tell the truth." "You let me tackle him, Mr. Maller, and I'll soon screw it out of 'im." "No," said Mallow, sharply. "I'll call on him myself. You continue to watch Major Semberry until I have seen him. But if you should chance to meet Hain again, give him in charge. I'll take the responsibility." "Oh, as long as you do that, I don't care. I'll just get back to Marquis Street, and keep an eye on the Major cove, but it's hard work, sir, and precious dry." "Here's half-a-sovereign," said Mallow, tossing him the coin. "Don't get drunk on it." Vraik slipped the piece into his pocket with a grin. "Lord bless you, sir, I weren't born yesterday! I'm square, I am;" and he slunk away in the darkness, leaving Mallow more than a trifle disgusted at being obliged to come into contact with so degraded an animal. The various side-paths along which Mallow had so carefully travelled began now to show signs of convergence.