“It is not. It will be better if you are Humphrey.”
“No, I’ll be damned if I’ll be called Humphrey! If there’s one name I dislike that’s it.”
Miss Thane interposed placably. “Don’t argue with him, Eustacie. It’s my belief he’s in a high fever.”
He grinned at her. “I am,” he agreed. “But my head’s remarkably clear for all that.”
“Well, if it’s clear enough to grapple with the details of this story of yours, tell us what became of the groom’s horse,” said Miss Thane.
“The smugglers killed it,” offered Eustacie.
Ludovic shook his head. “No, that won’t do. No corpse. Damn the horse, it’s a nuisance! Oh, I have it! When I was shot the brute threw me, and made off home.”
“Maddened by fright,” nodded Miss Thane. “Well, I’m glad to have that point settled. I feel I can now face any number of Excisemen.”
“ Mon cousin,” interrupted Eustacie suddenly, “do you think it is Tristram who has your ring?”
The laugh vanished from Ludovic’s eyes. “I’d give something to know!”