"No; but——"
"But what?"
"Appearances are very much against them, the consul says. The great thing is to establish their identity, as the boy is supposed to have assumed the name he bears."
At this moment Harvey appeared, and the news was instantly imparted to him.
"It is a very serious affair, and it is certain we must go at once. But really it is ridiculous to fancy old Mole and those black rascals accused of coining."
"It will not be ridiculous, if they are condemned and sent to the galleys, pa," said little Emily.
"True, little girl, therefore we will see about starting at once. You see about packing my things, while I run up to town to get passports for the lot of us."
"Passports are not required for travelling," said Emily.
"Certainly not for travelling; but what can establish our identity better than passports signed by the British Secretary of State for foreign affairs?"
There was no answering this question; so Dick started off for London, while the rest busied themselves with preparations for a continental trip.