"I have performed a very painful duty," rejoined Tom: "and now I must take my leave of you—perhaps for a long, long time—if not for ever."
"Farewell," said Clarence; "and may prosperity attend you in another clime."
"Farewell," replied Rainford; "and may you be happy with your Adelais."
The highwayman then hurried from the room, considerably affected by this parting from one for whom he already experienced a most sincere regard.
Nor was Villiers unmoved by this farewell scene; for, on his side, he was particularly attached to the individual who had not only rendered him so essential a service on that memorable night which first made them acquainted with each other, but whose apparent frankness of disposition and manliness of character were well calculated to engage the good opinion of the confiding, warm-hearted, and unsuspecting Clarence.
CHAPTER XLV.
MR. DYKES AND HIS MYRMIDONS.
It was midnight; and profound silence reigned throughout the region of Lock's Fields.
But suddenly that silence was broken by the tread of several persons, who emerged from a bye-alley in the immediate vicinity of Brandon Street.
At the corner of this street they paused to hold a hasty conference.
They were six in number—five men and a woman.