“Highroad robbery!” gasped Matthew incredulously. “ Gilly? Fellow, do you say that Mr. Rufford was arrested?”
“No, not him, sir. He wasn’t here when that happened. Dear knows where he was, and I’m sure I never thought to see him again! It was Master Tom that set out to win a purse, and got himself locked up in the Roundhouse. And then what must happen but Miss went off with old Mr. Clitheroe, which is a highly respected Quaker gentleman living in the town!”
“That,” said Mr. Liversedge, shaking his head, “was a mistake. It would not answer at all.”
“No, sir, and nor it did, for back she came again that very evening. But Mr. Rufford was here by that time, and it wasn’t any business of mine, whatever Mr. Clitheroe may choose to say! But it was on account of Mr. Clitheroe that Mr. Rufford up and left with the pair of them last night, instead of spending it here, like he meant to. One of the waiters, which chanced to be outside the door of the private parlour, heard him say he could deal with constables and magistrates, but not with Mr. Clitheroe. And just as well he did go, for Mr. Clitheroe, he came round in such a taking as I never saw half an hour after, and for all Mr. Rufford has a high-up way with him when he chooses, I doubt Mr. Clitheroe wouldn’t have taken no account of that, him being moved by the spirit the way he was.”
“Gideon,” said Matthew, in an awed voice, “do you think that Gilly has run mad?”
“Oh, no, sir!” said the landlord. “Not if you was meaning Mr. Rufford! A very quiet gentleman he is, and knows his way about the world. I never had nothing against him. ”
“Do you know where he went to?” Gideon asked. “Was he bound for London?”
“No, sir, he was not. He hired a chaise and pair to take the whole party to Aylesbury, that I can tell you, which is the same as I told Mr. Mamble first thing this morning.”
“To Aylesbury!” The cousins exchanged glances of startled enquiry.
“Now, what the deuce should take him to Aylesbury?” Gideon wondered.