I sat down on the side of my bed, actually quivering with excitement.  It is clear to me that no attempt has yet been made to change the stolen bank-notes; and I may add, that Sergeant Bulmer was of that opinion also, when he left the case in my hands.  What is the natural conclusion to draw from the conversation which I have just set down?  Evidently, that the confederates meet to-morrow to take their respective shares in the stolen money, and to decide on the safest means of getting the notes changed the day after.  Mr. Jay is, beyond a doubt, the leading criminal in this business, and he will probably run the chief risk,—­that of changing the fifty-pound note.  I shall, therefore, still make it my business to follow him,—­attending at the Regent’s Park to-morrow, and doing my best to hear what is said there.  If another appointment is made for the day after, I shall, of course, go to it.  In the mean time, I shall want the immediate assistance of two competent persons (supposing the rascals separate after their meeting) to follow the two minor criminals.  It is only fair to add, that, if the rogues all retire together, I shall probably keep my subordinates in reserve.  Being naturally ambitious, I desire, if possible, to have the whole credit of discovering this robbery to myself.

8th July.

I have to acknowledge, with thanks, the speedy arrival of my two subordinates, men of very average abilities, I am afraid; but, fortunately, I shall always be on the spot to direct them.

My first business this morning was, necessarily, to prevent possible mistakes, by accounting to Mr. and Mrs. Yatman for the presence of the two strangers on the scene.  Mr. Yatman (between ourselves, a poor, feeble man) only shook his head and groaned.  Mrs. Yatman (that superior woman) favored me with a charming look of intelligence.  “Oh, Mr. Sharpin!” she said, “I am so sorry to see those two men!  Your sending for their assistance looks as if you were beginning to be doubtful of success.”  I privately winked at her, (she is very good in allowing me to do so without taking offence,) and told her, in my facetious way, that she labored under a slight mistake.  “It is because I am sure of success, Ma’am, that I send for them.  I am determined to recover the money, not for my own sake only, but for Mr. Yatman’s sake, and for yours.”  I laid a considerable amount of stress on those last three words.  She said, “Oh, Mr. Sharpin!” again,—­and blushed of a heavenly red,—­and looked down at her work.  I could go to the world’s end with that woman, if Mr. Yatman would only die.

I sent off the two subordinates to wait, until I wanted them, at the Avenue-Road gate of the Regent’s Park.  Half an hour afterwards I was following the same direction myself, at the heels of Mr. Jay.