“My servant girl took it into her head to listen at the door, while a stranger, who had called
upon the gentleman, was talking with him in the parlour; and she heard him mention something about a brace of pistols he had brought; and also, which was the best way to the Lincolnshire coast; and whether he could find him up a horse somewhere, she couldn’t catch the name of the place. My wife and I were out at the time, but when we came home she let out all about it.”
Well might they both look grave.
“How long ago did you first hear about this?”
“Less than two hours. I started directly. If the girl had only repeated some tittle-tattle I should have taken no notice of course, but as it was, I felt bound to let you know.”
“Had Mr. Villemet left before you came away?”
“Oh, certainly: full an hour before.”
“Don’t let anyone know about it. It will be better for you not to mention it. It might spoil your custom.”
Thus cautioned, the worthy landlord went away.
“Can you lend me a horse, Cosin?”