In the evening the young Spaniard, Don Diego, returned to the Inn, and he brought news with him which Susan promised to impart to her brothers at the earliest possible moment.
Diego had gone down the Thames that morning on board a guardship in the hope of discovering the hulk to which his captors would have taken him, but his efforts had been useless.
There were many suspicious-looking hulks moored on the banks of the stream, but he had no means of identifying the one he sought.
When the twins were themselves again, they would make another attempt; he had been lying in the bottom of the boat, fast bound, when one of his captors had endeavoured to moor the boat alongside the hulk.
But he had other news.
The watermen had picked up the bodies of the two ruffians who had leapt overboard—they had paid the due penalty of their crime.
The hour was growing late when the young Spaniard took his leave, and the wearied Treasurer was just congratulating himself that the labours of the day were over, when the valet once more presented himself in the library.
"Another visitor—and at this late hour!" said Sir John, somewhat impatiently. "Make my excuses, Robin," he continued; "say that I have retired to rest."
"Yes, Sir John", said Robin, yet he lingered as if he had something further to say.
"What is it, man?" said Sir John, perceiving Robin's hesitation.