In the latter part of his letter Dimsdale stated that Maunders had been calling at the bungalow during his--the writer's--last interview with Vernon. He was, in fact, round the corner of the house, nearest to the library when Vernon stepped out of the French window. Dimsdale had found him there on the verandah in the company of the girls, and had promptly told him that he was not wanted, in his usual peppery way. There had been a row, as Maunders had been grossly insolent, but Miss Hest--a very capable girl, as Mr. Dimsdale wrote--had induced him to depart. Confirmation of this report was received by Vernon from Maunders himself, when the two met by chance in Piccadilly. "The old man was most insolent," complained Maunders indignantly; "There is no crime in loving Ida, so far as I can see." "Since you love Miss Corsoon, and only run after Ida for her money, I think Mr. Dimsdale has every reason to forbid you the house," said Vernon drily. "Oh, rot. I know what I'm about. As to forbidding me the house, I received an invitation to the masked ball on Monday, and I'm going." "Ida only extorted permission from her father to ask you. If you're a gentleman you will not go to be received on sufferance." Maunders chuckled coolly. "Ida won't receive me in that way," said he with superb insolence, "as she really loves me, and the old gentleman doesn't matter. I love Lucy, but she has no money, so I expect I shall have to sacrifice myself by marrying Ida." "If Mr. Dimsdale will allow you," chafed Vernon. "Oh, he won't; but Ida can defy him." "If she does she will lose her fortune." "That remains to be seen," said Maunders airily. "Hang old Dimsdale, what objection can he have to me?" "Your aunt might tell you," said Vernon significantly. The blood rushed to Maunders' cheek, and he looked searchingly at his friend, but not agreeably. "What do you mean?" "I mean that I can only consent to take you into partnership if you succeed in capturing The Spider," said Vernon slowly and somewhat evasively. "Who is The Spider?" "I think you know, if not from the newspapers, then from Mrs. Bedge." Maunders looked at the ground. "So old Dimsdale told you?" "Yes. He wished to enlist my services on behalf of your aunt to capture this blackmailing beast." "Oh; and do you intend to?" "No. I intend to leave the capture to you." Maunders opened his eyes. "But, my dear chap, I know nothing about The Spider, as you call this man, to say nothing of detective business." "Yet you wish to become Nemo's partner," said Vernon, very drily. "See here, Maunders, it's no use beating about the bush. I shan't take you as my partner unless you catch this man and so prove your capability." "And suppose I tell everyone who Nemo is?" asked Maunders with an ugly look.