When he had gone, she sighed, and obedient to his wish, sat waiting patiently for his return in the dingy little parlour which awhile ago his presence had made so bright.
It was at this moment that Master Mittachip, after his interview with the beadle, was in close conversation with Sir Humphrey Challoner at the Royal George.
Outside the inn, Bathurst turned to John Stich, who had closely followed him.
"How's my Jack o' Lantern?" he asked quickly.
"As fresh as a daisy, Captain," replied the smith. "I've rubbed him down myself, and he has had a lovely feed."
"That's good. You have my saddle with you?"
"Oh, aye! I knew you'd want it soon enough. Jack o' Lantern carried it for you himself, bless 'is 'eart, along with her ladyship and Mistress Betty."
"Then do you see at once to his being saddled, friend, and bring him along to the Court House as soon as may be. Hold him in readiness for me, so that I may mount at a second's notice. You understand?"
"Yes, Captain. I understand that you are running your head into a d——d noose, and..."
"Easy, easy, friend! Remember..."