“He’s not Captain Churchill, though,” replied the man, doggedly.

“Do not begin to speak impertinently again, sit!” said Wilton, in a sharp tone.  “But go back, as I before ordered, with the constable:  you know nothing of who that gentleman is, and my word ought to be sufficient for you, when I tell you that he has this very night not only aided me in setting free the Lady Laura, but absolutely saved my life at the risk of his own from the very gang of Jacobites in whose hands you most negligently left me.  To drop this subject, however, I have one more caution to give you,” he added, in a lower voice.  “It is Lord Sherbrooke’s wish that you should say not one syllable in regard to his share in the events of this night.”

“Ay, sir, but I ought to ascertain whether he be safe or not.  I know he has his wild pranks as well as most young men; but still one ought to know that he’s safe.”

“If my word for you is not sufficient on that score,” replied Wilton, “you will find him at the house to which I directed you to go.  It is now clear of all its obnoxious tenants, and I doubt not, Lord Sherbrooke will speak to you for a moment, if you wish it.”

Thus saying, Wilton turned upon his heel, and walking quickly onward, soon overtook the Duke of Berwick and Lady Laura.  They were now not far from High Halstow, and the rest of the way was soon accomplished.  But as they passed into the door of the public-house, Captain Byerly, who came last, touched Wilton on the arm, and whispered, “Do you know that fellow is following you?”

“No, indeed,” answered Wilton:  “what can be done?”

“Go and speak to the master of the house,” said Byerly, quickly.  “I will wait here in the door, and take care he does not come in.  The landlord will find means to get the Duke away by the back.”

“I dare not trust him,” replied Wilton, in the same low tone.  “I feel sure he has betrayed me once to-night already.”

“If he did,” answered Byerly, hastily, “it was because he thought you on the wrong side of the question.  He’s a well-known man hereabouts, and you may trust him with any secrets on that side.”

Wilton followed the Duke of Berwick and Laura as fast as possible, and found the landlord showing them into a small sanded parlour on the left hand, after passing a door which swung to and fro with a pulley.

“Come in here, landlord,” he said, as he passed; “come in, and shut the door.  Have you a horse saddled?” he continued.

“I have one that can be saddled in a minute,” said the landlord, looking first at Berwick and then at Wilton.

“Have you any back way,” continued Wilton, “by which this gentleman can get out of the town without going through the street?”

“Ay have I,” answered the man; “through our stable, through the garden, lead the horse down the steps, and then away to Stroud.  There’s no missing the way.”

“Well then, sir,” said Wilton, grasping the Duke’s hand, “this is your only chance for safety.  That rascally Messenger has followed us to the door, and doubtless if there be any magistrates in the neighbourhood, or constables left in the place, we shall have them down upon us in ten minutes.”