"They are to elope to-night," he said; and quietly stole out of the house.
About two hundred yards from the lodge gates, beneath the shade of a magnificent horse-chestnut, he espied, as he had anticipated, a post-chaise in waiting. He went up to the post-boy, and, holding up a crown, he said,—
"Will you answer a question, if paid for it?"
"Why, sir, that depends upon the sort of question."
"You are employed by Mr. Chamberlayne ... I want to know whether you are going towards London or Bristol. Will you tell me?—five shillings for you, if you tell me truly; broken bones on your return, if you deceive me."
"Hm! you're not going to spoil my job?"
"Not I; I wish simply to know the fact."
"Well, then, hand here the money ... it's to London."
The captain trembled:—
"To London! I thought so."