'But shall we be nearer getting him for that?' inquired the Doctor.
'Perhaps not, sir; but 'tis the regular way. We must proceed by rule.'
'I am sadly distressed,' said Dr. Masham. 'The worst is, he has gained such a start upon us; and yet he can hardly have gone to London; he would have been recognised here or at Southport.'
'With his hair cropped, and in a Jesuit's cap?' inquired the Squire, with a slight sneer. 'Ah! Doctor, Doctor, you know not the gentry you have to deal with!'
'We must hope,' said Dr. Masham. 'To-morrow we must organise some general search.'
'I fear it will be of no use,' said the Squire, replenishing his pipe.
'These Jesuits are deep fellows.'
'But we are not sure about the Jesuits, Squire.'
'I am,' said the Squire; 'the case is clear, and the sooner you break it to his mother the better. You asked me for my advice, and I give it you.'
CHAPTER XVI.
It was on the following morning, as the Doctor was under the operation of the barber, that his groom ran into the room with a pale face and agitated air, and exclaimed,