But he was not deceived by Van Loo's heroic suggestion of self-sacrifice.

"Quite right," he said sarcastically, "it shall be done, and I've no doubt ONE of you will escape.

I'll send the horses round to the back door and keep the buggy in front.

That will keep Jack there, TOO,--with the boys handy." But Mr.Hamlin had quite as accurate an idea of Mr.Van Loo's methods and of his OWN standing with Steptoe's gang of roughs as Mr.Steptoe himself.

More than that, he also had a hold on a smaller but more devoted and loyal following than Steptoe's.