"Well," said I, "what of him, my lord? I have nothing to fear from Jervas Rookley."
"You think that?"
"I know it," I answered, a trifle unsteadily. "At all events, there is solid reason why I should have no grounds for fear." For I bethought me that I had loyally kept faith with him.
Lord Derwentwater stood for a moment silent.
"Walk a step with me," he said, and holding my arm he continued, "I would not meddle in your private concerns, Mr. Clavering, but I know Jervas Rookley, and it will be a very ill day for you when you hear his step across the threshold of Blackladies."
I felt a chill slip into my veins, for if he spoke truth and his words fitted so aptly with my suspicions that I could not disbelieve them—why, that day was long become irrevocable. However, I sought to laugh the matter off.
"A very ill day indeed, for on that day I lose Blackladies to the Crown."
"The danger will come from Jervas Rookley himself."
"Then it will be man to man."
We were now come within a few paces of the footmen, so that the flare of their torches lighted up our faces fitfully. My companion stopped.