Electric cells, acids, wooden clips to hold the coins could
also be seen. In fact the whole factory was conducted on the
most scientific principles, and Jennings could understand how
so many cleverly-prepared coins came to be in circulation.
There were even moulds for the manufacture of francs and
louis.
"I daresay the gang have other places," he said to Atkins,
"but this is their headquarters, I fancy. If I can only get
some of them to tell the truth we might find the other
places."
"Hale wants to confess."
"Yes. But I fancy it is about the murder of Miss Loach. She
was apparently killed to ensure the safety of this den. We
must root the coiners out, Atkins. Maraquito, who is the head
of the business, is at large, and unless we can take her, she
will continue to make false money in some other place.
However, I have seen enough for the time being. Keep guard
over this place till we hear from the Yard tomorrow."
"You'll go home and lie down, sir."
"No. I intend to hear Hale's confession. By to-morrow it
will be too late. I wouldn't miss hearing what he has to say
for anything."
"But can you keep up, sir?"
"Yes, yes--don't bother," said Jennings, rising, the pain
making him testy, "give me your arm, Atkins. By the way,
where does the other passage lead to? I have not enough
strength to explore."
"It leads to the top of the ground, sir, and comes out into
the trunk of a tree."
"What do you mean?"
"Well, sir, it's very clever.
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