“And now,” said Cornwallis, “I suppose you will wish to see the gentleman who is to give you the information which you seek.”
“If you please.” The youth said this not without some misgiving; but he dreaded to refuse, as it might excite some suspicion.
“Ah,” said Cornwallis, apparently greatly pleased. “I had fancied that you’d not want to see him until later. But I had him come here to-night on the chance; I am delighted that you show a willingness to take the matter up so promptly.”
Tom was rather angry with himself for this same willingness; but it was too late now; so Cornwallis rang a bell to summon the person spoken of.
“He is waiting in the next room,” said he, “and I rather think you will find him the kind of man you want.”
Here the door opened and Lieutenant Cheyne of Tarleton’s horse entered. He looked at Tom sharply for a moment as he crossed to the table at which the others were sitting. But it had been four long years since the affair of the mansion of Jasper Harwood, and Tom had greatly changed and grown since then; so he bore himself with boldness and confidence and looked straight into Cheyne’s eye without a quaver. The lieutenant, however, was only marveling at the youth of the visitor who had come there wrapped about in so much mystery; no thought of ever having met him before had crossed his mind.
“This gentleman,” said Cornwallis, “will introduce you wherever you wish, in Charleston.”
The lieutenant bowed.
“I shall be most happy,” said he.
“As to the towns and cities further north,” proceeded Cornwallis, “we have provided another person for that. I will summon him, also.”