“You may believe that I am too much your friend to let you do anything of the kind,” said Sir Tristram, with finality.
Chapter Eleven
Ludovic, knowing his cousin too well to attempt to argue with him once his mind was made up, said no more in support of his own plan, but left Miss Thane to entertain Shield while he went off to try his powers of persuasion upon the hapless Clem. Quite forgetting that he must not run the risk of being seen by any stranger, he walked into the taproom, saying: “Clem, are you here? I want you!”
Clem was nowhere to be seen, but just as Ludovic was about to go away again, the door on to the road opened, and a thickset man in a suit of fustian walked into the inn. Ludovic took one look at him, and ejaculated: “Abel!”
Mr Bundy shut the door behind him, and nodded. “I had word you was here,” he remarked.
Ludovic cast a quick glance towards the door leading to the kitchen quarters, where he judged Clem to be, and grasped Bundy by one wrist. “Does Nye know you’re here?” he asked softly.
“No,” replied Bundy. “Not yet he don’t, but I’m wishful to have a word with him.”
“You’re going to have a word with me,” said Ludovic. “I don’t want Nye to know you’re here. Come up to my bedchamber!”
“Adone-do, sir!” expostulated Bundy, standing fast. “You know, surely, what I’ve come for. I’ve a dunnamany kegs of brandy waiting to be delivered here so soon as Nye gives the word.”
“He won’t dare give it yet; the house is full. I’ve other work for you to do.”