‘Here’s a sovereign apiece. If I can find these people through your means, it is but a prelude to twenty more. Return to me tomorrow, and keep your own counsel upon this subject — though I need hardly tell you that, for you’ll do so for your own sakes. Now, give me your address, and leave me.’

The address was given, the two men departed, the crowd went with them, and the single gentleman for two mortal hours walked in uncommon agitation up and down his room, over the wondering heads of Mr Swiveller and Miss Sally Brass.