"Where is Mr. Sharp?" asked Arthur.
"Why," said the lawyer, "he has followed Philip at a distance to find out his lodgings, and learn if his brother is with him. Oh! here he is!" and Blackwell's companion in the earlier part of the evening entered.
"I have found him out, sir," said Mr. Sharp, wiping his forehead. "What a fierce 'un he is! I thought he would have had a stone at my head; but we officers are used to it; we does our duty, and Providence makes our heads unkimmon hard!"
"Is the child with him?" asked Mr. Spencer.
"Yes, sir."
"A little, quiet, subdued boy?" asked the melancholy inhabitant of the
Lakes.
"Quiet! Lord love you! never heard a noisier little urchin! There they were, romping and romping in the garden, like a couple of gaol birds."
"You see," groaned Mr. Spencer, "he will make that poor child as bad as himself."
"What shall us do, Mr. Blackwell?" asked Sharp, who longed for his brandy and water.
"Why, I was thinking you might go to the horse-dealer the first thing in the morning; find out whether Philip is really thick with the swindler; and, perhaps, Mr. Stubmore may have some influence with him, if, without saying who he is—"