“Heaven knows I will.”
“Then I have a plan to propose, and a favor to ask of you.”
“If I can gratify you with safety to the custody of my charge, I will do so; but here we are at the hotel now, and you had better wait until we get into a private sitting-room. The people of the place need not know that we are officers in charge of an accused party; but may be left to suppose that we are ordinary travellers.”
“Oh, I thank you for that!” exclaimed Mr. Berners, warmly.
They entered the hotel, a second-class house in a cross street, where the elder officer asked for a private sitting-room, to which they were immediately shown.
As soon as the four were seated, Mr. Berners turned to the elder officer and broached his plan.
“You spoke of taking the night coach for Staunton. Now, if another conveyance could be found—a private conveyance that would be more comfortable for all parties, and would also be entirely under your own control—would you not be willing that we should travel by it?”
“Oh! if you are able and willing to furnish a private conveyance for the journey, and place it as you say at my own exclusive orders, I shall be happy to take the lady down that way, rather than expose her in a public stage coach.”
“Thanks. I have a wagon and horses here at livery. They can be put to use at a few minutes’ notice. So, if you prefer, you can start at once upon this journey, and make some twenty-five or thirty miles before night.”
“Let us see the team first, and then we shall be able to judge,” said the officer.