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Rh me how many you number. You will come across in orderly and quiet squads of twelve. You," to the largest boy with a pocket-knife, "will accompany me as my bodyguard."

Even before he had finished his instructions the smart little chap to whom he had given the marshalling of the force had divided it into groups of a dozen, and reported to his commanding officer the total number. Stranleigh, with his newly-appointed henchman close by his side, strode across the street and entered the shop of John Bendale. The unexpected access of custom had, for the moment at least, chased the aspect of gloom from the merchant's face, and all the instincts of the shopman had come uppermost. He was rearranging his wares after the raid that had been made upon them.

"Good-evening," said Stranleigh, with friendly cordiality. "I seem to have involved myself in a rather larger undertaking than was anticipated when I began, so I have come in to see if you can assist me in fulfilling my contract. How many pocket-knives are there in your shop?"

"Well, sir, I was just counting, in case this sudden demand should continue. I'll let you know in about half a minute."

As it turned out, there were enough to supply the contingent, and the squads came across the street as called, with great quietness and decorum, reflecting credit on themselves and their officers.