"Only thus far, mine host," replied Tressilian--"keep a watch on the

motions of those at the Place, which thou canst easily learn without

suspicion, as all men's news fly to the ale-bench; and be pleased to

communicate the tidings in writing to such person, and to no other,

who shall bring you this ring as a special token. Look at it; it is of

value, and I will freely bestow it on you."

"Nay, sir," said the landlord, "I desire no recompense--but it seems an

unadvised course in me, being in a public line, to connect myself in a

matter of this dark and perilous nature. I have no interest in it."

"You, and every father in the land, who would have his daughter released

from the snares of shame, and sin, and misery, have an interest deeper

than aught concerning earth only could create."

"Well, sir," said the host, "these are brave words; and I do pity from

my soul the frank-hearted old gentleman, who has minished his estate

in good housekeeping for the honour of his country, and now has his

daughter, who should be the stay of his age, and so forth, whisked up

by such a kite as this Varney. And though your part in the matter is

somewhat of the wildest, yet I will e'en be a madcap for company, and

help you in your honest attempt to get back the good man's child, so far

as being your faithful intelligencer can serve. And as I shall be true

to you, I pray you to be trusty to me, and keep my secret; for it were

bad for the custom of the Black Bear should it be said the bear-warder

interfered in such matters. Varney has interest enough with the

justices to dismount my noble emblem from the post on which he swings so

gallantly, to call in my license, and ruin me from garret to cellar."

"Do not doubt my secrecy, mine host," said Tressilian; "I will retain,

besides, the deepest sense of thy service, and of the risk thou dost

run--remember the ring is my sure token. And now, farewell! for it was

thy wise advice that I should tarry here as short a time as may be."

"Follow me, then, Sir Guest," said the landlord, "and tread as gently as

if eggs were under your foot, instead of deal boards. No man must know

when or how you departed."

By the aid of his dark lantern he conducted Tressilian, as soon as he

had made himself ready for his journey, through a long intricacy of

passages, which opened to an outer court, and from thence to a remote

stable, where he had already placed his guest's horse. He then aided

him to fasten on the saddle the small portmantle which contained his

necessaries, opened a postern door, and with a hearty shake of the hand,

and a reiteration of his promise to attend to what went on at Cumnor

Place, he dismissed his guest to his solitary journey.




readonlinefreebook.com Copyright 2016 - 2024