“ONE THOUSAND POUNDS REWARD.

“WHEREAS, on some date within the past twelve months, there was stolen, abstracted, or taken from the chambers in Fountain Court, Temple, occupied by Mr. Stephen Aylmore, M.P., under the name of Mr. Anderson, a walking-stick, or stout staff, of foreign make, and of curious workmanship, which stick was probably used in the murder of John Marbury, or Maitland, in Middle Temple Lane, on the night of June 21-22 last, and is now in the hands of the police: 

“This is to give notice that the Proprietor of the Watchman newspaper will pay the above-mentioned reward (ONE THOUSAND POUNDS STERLING) at once and in cash to whosoever will prove that he or she stole, abstracted, or took away the said stick from the said chambers, and will further give full information as to his or her disposal of the same, and the Proprietor of the Watchman moreover engages to treat any revelation affecting the said stick in the most strictly private and confidential manner, and to abstain from using it in any way detrimental to the informant, who should call at the Watchman office, and ask for Mr. Frank Spargo at any time between eleven and one o’clock midday, and seven and eleven o’clock in the evening.”

“And you really expect to get some information through that?” asked Breton, who came into Spargo’s room about noon on the day on which the promising announcement came out.  “You really do?”

“Before today is out,” said Spargo confidently.  “There is more magic in a thousand-pound reward than you fancy, Breton.  I’ll have the history of that stick before midnight.”

“How are you to tell that you won’t be imposed upon?” suggested Breton.  “Anybody can say that he or she stole the stick.”

“Whoever comes here with any tale of a stick will have to prove to me how he or she got the stick and what was done with the stick,” said Spargo.  “I haven’t the least doubt that that stick was stolen or taken away from Aylmore’s rooms in Fountain Court, and that it got into the hands of—­”

“Yes, of whom?”

“That’s what I want to know in some fashion.  I’ve an idea, already.  But I can afford to wait for definite information.  I know one thing—­when I get that information—­as I shall—­we shall be a long way on the road towards establishing Aylmore’s innocence.”

Breton made no remark upon this.  He was looking at Spargo with a meditative expression.

“Spargo,” he said, suddenly, “do you think you’ll get that order for the opening of the grave at Market Milcaster?”

“I was talking to the solicitors over the ’phone just now,” answered Spargo.  “They’ve every confidence about it.  In fact, it’s possible it may be made this afternoon.  In that case, the opening will be made early tomorrow morning.”

“Shall you go?” asked Breton.

“Certainly.  And you can go with me, if you like.  Better keep in touch with us all day in case we hear.  You ought to be there—­you’re concerned.”