"Nay, now, Mr. Ingestrie," said Sir Richard, "do not fall into the other extreme, and make too much of this danger. We are very apt to pet some peril, until we make it to our imagination assume a much larger shape than really belongs to it. I hope that Todd will be in custody again soon."
"Is it likely, sir?"
"I fancy so. From this day I abandon all other objects and pursuits, and devote myself to that task alone."
"Then there is a hope," said Johanna.
"Yes," added Sir Richard. "My impression is that he has no money, and that I shall soon apprehend him; but if, unknown to me, he has any secret funds, he may make an attempt to leave the kingdom, and so foil me."
"And if he does?"
"I follow him, for I am determined that sooner or later, dead or alive, Todd shall be given up to the law."
"But you will advise us what to do," said Mark Ingestrie. "In your experience you can suggest to us the best mode of proceeding in this emergency."
"I have been thinking of that as I came along, and my advice is that you leave London immediately. I do not think that the danger, admitting that there is any at all, is immediate. Todd for some days will be far too intent upon evading pursuit and recognition to think of much else, besides his personal safety, so that you will have ample time to leave."
"We will do so," said Johanna, "at once. Where would you advise us to go?"