A moment the secretary hesitated. Then he stooped over his master and said in a low, cautious tone:
"My lord, it may be I am mistaken, but—methinks the man knows something."
Jeffreys started.
"What mean you, fellow?" he asked quickly. "What does he say?"
"Nay, my lord, 'tis mostly by his manner I judge it, for he demands to see your lordship as tho' 'tis nought to him yet for your sake 'twere wise. And then also his words—for he claims to have information concerning an intrigue with the late Duke, an intrigue which may not astonish your lordship as much as most folk, yet 'twill be of greater moment to your lordship to be the first to hear on't."
"Tut!" cried Jeffreys nervously. "Any man might say that."
"Aye, my lord, any man might say it, but an I be any judge of men, this man hath meaning in his words."
Jeffreys was silent.
"Well, well, Jewars," he said after a pause; "I will see the man. But not alone. You will remain in the room, and look you, have an escort ready at hand, lest the man must be—lest he prove an impostor."
"Very good, my lord," answered Jewars with a sigh of relief. "I will bring him in at once."