"Did he take his servants with him?" I asked; and then, a new thought striking me: "Eleven days ago! That is, Mr. Vincott, the day after Julian's arrest."
"Mr. Buckler," says he, "you appear to me to lack discretion."
"I only re-state your facts," I answered, with some heat.
"The facts themselves are perhaps a trifle indiscreet," he admitted. "I shall certainly have that ceiling copied in my own house." And with that he rose from his chair. "'Tis close on eight by the clock, and we must hit upon some disguise. But, Lord! how it is to be contrived with that canary poll of yours I know not, unless you shave your head and wear my peruke."
"I have a better device than that," said I.
"Well, man, out with it!"
For I spoke with hesitation, fearing his irony.
"You can trust the people of the inn?"
He nodded his head.
"Else I should not have sent you hither. They are bound to me in gratitude. I saved them last year from some pother with the Excise."