"I thought as much," said Jen, in an excited tone. Then after a pause, he added: "Battersea, would you like free quarters and plenty of food and drink for a week?"
"I ain't a fool, sir," said the tramp, with a sheepish grin. "I should, you bet."
"In that case go down to the kitchen and tell my servants from me that you are to stay there. Later on I'll see you."
"Thankee, sir. I'll get free quarters and grub for a week," cried Battersea, rubbing his grimy hands. "My eye, 'ere's oppolance. Can I go now, sir?"
"At once," replied Jen, and pointed to the door. Battersea bowed awkwardly to Lady Meg and his benefactor; then he went out of the room and left the major alone with his visitor.
"What does all this mean?" asked Meg, quite surprised at Jen's excitement.
"Mean!" cried Jen, in a tone of conviction. "Why! that Etwald is mixed up in this business also!"
[CHAPTER XVI.]
THE EVIDENCE OF JAGGARD.
"Etwald!" repeated Lady Meg, thoughtfully. "Is he not the doctor of whom you have made so great a friend?"