It seemed improbable that the Runners’ zeal would lead them to haunt the vicinity of the Red Lion after dark, so as soon as the windows were bolted and the blinds drawn, Ludovic emerged from his underground retreat and joined the rest of the party in the parlour. Some expectation was felt of receiving a visit from Sir Tristram, and at a little after eight o’clock he walked into the inn, having taken advantage of the moonlight to drive over from the Court.
He was met by demands to know whether he had met any men lurking outside the house. He had not, but the anxious question at once aroused his suspicions, and he asked what had been going forward during his absence. When he heard that information had been laid against Ludovic in Bow Street, he did not say anything at all for some moments, thus disappointing Eustacie, who had hoped to startle him into an expression at least of surprise. When he did speak, it was not in admiration of the stratagem which had hoodwinked the Runners, but in a serious voice, and with his eyes on his cousin. “If you won’t go to Holland, will you at least leave Sussex, Ludovic?”
“Devil a bit! There’s no danger. The Runners think they’re on a wild-goose chase.” He observed a tightening of Shield’s lips, a certain considering look in the eyes which rested on himself, and sat up with a jerk. “Tristram, if you try to kidnap me, I swear I’ll shoot you!”
Sir Tristram laughed at that, but shook his head. “I won’t promise not to kidnap you, but I will promise to get your gun first.”
“It never leaves me,” grinned Ludovic.
“That’s what I’m afraid of,” retorted Shield. “If there’s an attempt made on you, you’ll shoot, and there’ll be a charge of real murder to fight.”
Eustacie said sharply: “An attempt on him? Do you mean on his life?”
“Yes, I do,” replied Shield. “We may not be certain that the Beau killed Plunkett, but we can have no doubt that it is he who has brought the Runners down on Ludovic now. He would like the Law to remove Ludovic from his path, but if the Runners fail, I think he may make the attempt himself. Have you ever considered how easy of access this place is?”
Eustacie cast an involuntary glance over her shoulder. “N-no,” she faltered. “Is—is it easy? Perhaps you had better go after all, Ludovic. I do not want you to be killed!”
“Ah, fiddlesticks,” Ludovic said impatiently. “The Beau don’t even know I’m here. He may suspect it, but there’s not a soul has seen me outside ourselves, and Nye, and Clem.”