Gideon grinned. “No doubt he would! What very queer company you are keeping, Adolphus! I wonder how Mamble and Liversedge will deal together?”
The Duke stared at him. “Liversedge?”
“Not knowing what else to do with him,” explained Gideon. “I have left him at Cheyney, in Wragby’s care—”
“Gideon, you have not brought that fat rogue here with you?” the Duke said incredulously.
“But I have,” replied Gideon. “He awaits your judgment, my little one.”
“But I don’t want him!” objected the Duke, looking harassed. “Really, Gideon, it is quite absurd of you! I have enough on my hands without your adding Liversedge to the rest!”
Gideon was amused. “Are you aware that he not only kidnapped you, but would have been prepared to murder you, for a suitable recompense?”
“Yes, you told me so. I am glad I did not know it while I lay in that cellar! I should have been frightened out of my wits! I supposed that ransom was what was wanted of me, but now I come to think of it the other fellow did utter a number of dark threats, which I set no store by. Did Liversedge really think you would pay him to murder me? He is the most amusing villain!”
Gideon regarded him with a flickering smile. “Am I to understand that you are going to condone his villainy?”
“Well, what else can I do?” asked the Duke reasonably. “If I hand him over to justice, what a stir there would be! Now, Gideon, if you had been captured by a veritable child’s trick, and stowed away in a cellar, would you wish the whole world to know of it?”