Читать книгу Charles Peace, or The Adventures of a Notorious Burglar онлайн

244 страница из 895

This, as the reader may guess, was not a truthful statement, but it was the only course Gatliffe had left to get himself out of the difficulty.

The inspector looked at the constable—​then they both gave a glance at Gatliffe, who, as a natural consequence, felt greatly disconcerted.

No. 7.

BESSIE DREW FORTH FROM THE PAPER A HUNDRED POUND NOTE.

“Well, it is very unfortunate—​exceedingly so,” observed the inspector. “Should you know the man again?”

“Oh, dear, yes; I’ve no doubt I should.”

“So should I,” exclaimed the girl. “I should know him out of a thousand. He had a dark skin, and appears to be a mulatto.”

“Is that so?”

This last query was addressed to Gatliffe.

“Yes, she’s quite right—​that was what he appeared to be—​a half caste, a creole, or mulatto.”

“Ah! several burglaries have been committed by a man of that description. I am much mortified at his having made his escape.”

“It is indeed very much to be regretted, but it is no fault of mine. I hope you don’t think it is,” said Gatliffe.