By now they will be close around Brightwell, ready
to run to mywhistle.
You welcomed me someweeks back at a wayside inn,
and it is my turn now to provide theentertainment.
Order your coach for six, andyou will be at
Brightwell by seven.
Tis true, shehas her husband, but he is little at
home, and is much engrossedwith affairs. The servants had moved to the back of the
room, and stood in theshadow like guards at attention.
Mr Kyd arrived some minutes ago, was the answer,
and is nowrepairing his toilet after his journey. Her face showed relief; also
incredulity.
You were always forthe thing done in order. A
patrol of Elchos ordered to feel our way down this valley andreport at Derby town by
breakfast.
He filled himself a glass ofclaret, held it to the
light, and savoured its bouquet before hesipped. I go to Brightwell presently, and
shall force admission. I ask no furtherquestions lest they embarrass
you.
He lifted his genial eyes and saw
Alastair.
He told of the twohags upstairs who were in
partnership.
Ay, and I will tell on him tothat puling miss in
the Green Chamber.
Mr Kyd gave them into our charge, they said in one
voice. Avelvet hood covered her hair, and her dress was hidden from sightby a long
travelling-robe of fur.
For Sir John Norreys, Alastair reserved a peculiar
vengeance.
He favours you, Caroline, and between you there
will be a rarefortune.
There you have anotherdocument narrating
conversations with the trusting Jacobites of theMarches. But when I whistle, in ten
seconds they will be at the door ofBrightwell.
I am back in Lees again, and take myorders from
Captain Maclean. Heshivered, remembering the ugly business before him. But if the
papers shouldhappen to be genuine you will admit, sir, that they bear an
uglycomplexion. That news should go forthwith to the Princescamp.
He put Alastair in a chair and fed him tenderly,
beating up an eggin a cup with French brandy.
Alastair sat himself by the fire in the great
vaulted dining-roomand tore open the saddle-bag. To you a traitormust be doubly
repulsive. The gentleman and I are acquainted, and I can vouch for
hishonesty.
To you a traitormust be doubly repulsive. Since his
Grace ofKingston could not send a garrison, I have brought Mr Hays Scots.