“Not at all. It requires no keenness of wit to overhear a noisy conversation at an inn. I should have credited the government of Lord North with more circumspection in the choice of an agent, really.”
The pallor of Danvers disappeared before a sudden flush of resentment; then he laughed.
“A rather good hit,” commented he, with his white teeth showing. “I fancied that you might have overheard what was said, when I learned that you were here.”
Captain Jones crossed his legs and tapped the toe of his boot with his brass-tipped scabbard.
“You were in quest of a certain document, were you not?” asked he.
“I was,” admitted Danvers. “And to be perfectly candid in the matter and avoid mistakes, I am so still.”
“KEEP THEM AT SWORD’S LENGTH,”
SAID CAPTAIN JONES
“Is there any possibility, do you think, of your securing possession of it?”
This question was asked in a calm matter-of-fact tone that made Ethan open his eyes. But Danvers heard it with a self-possession that was perfect.