He was the secretary of the Friendly and Philanthropic Loan Society, and of any other society organised by the Captain.

He was Captain Paget's amanuensis and representative--Captain Paget's tool, but not Captain Paget's dupe; for Valentine Hawkehurst was not of that stuff of which dupes are made.
The man who lives by his wits has need of a faithful friend and follower.

The chief of the vultures must not be approached too easily.
There must be a preparatory ordeal, an outer chamber to be passed, before the victim is introduced to the sanctuary which is irradiated by the silver veil of the prophet.

Captain Paget found an able coadjutor in Valentine Hawkehurst, who answered one of those tempting advertisements in which A.B.C.or X.Y.

Z.was wont to offer a salary of three hundred a year to any gentlemanly person capable of performing the duties of secretary to a newly-established company.