“Certainly,” said Shield, “but do you—does your brother realize that this is an adventure that is likely to lead us all to Newgate?”
“I do,” she replied placidly. “I doubt whether my brother realizes anything beyond the facts of a cold in the head and a well-stocked cellar. If we do reach Newgate, perhaps you will be able to get us out again.”
“You are very intrepid!” he said, with a look of amusement.
“Sir,” said Miss Thane, “during the course of the past twelve hours my life seems to have become so full of smugglers, Excisemen, and wicked cousins that I now feel I can face anything. What in the world possessed the boy to take to smuggling, by-the-by?”
“God knows! You might as well ask what possessed Eustacie to leave the Court at midnight to become a governess. They should deal extremely together if ever they can be married.” He rose. “I must go back and do what I can to avert suspicion. Somehow or other we must find this panel Ludovic speaks of before he can thrust his head into a noose.”
Miss Thane gave a discreet cough. “Do you—er—place much dependence on the panel, Sir Tristram?”
“No, very little, but I place every dependence upon Ludovic’s breaking into the Dower House in search of it,” he replied frankly. “For the moment we have him tied by the heels, but that won’t be for long, if I know him. They are tough stock, the Lavenhams.” He walked to the table and picked up his hat and riding whip. “I’ll take my leave now. I fancy we have fobbed off the riding-officer, but there may be others. If you should want me, send Clem over to the Court with a message, and I’ll come.”
She nodded. “Meanwhile, is Ludovic in danger, do you think?”
“Not at Nye’s hands, but if information were lodged against him at Bow Street by anyone suspecting his presence here, yes, in great danger.”
“And at his cousin’s hands?”