After reading the notice, I hastily flung aside the paper; and proceeded direct to the docks—where I found the vessel had already arrived.
As I might have expected, Adkins was not aboard. He had landed several hours before, while the ship was still in the river. Having ascertained the name of the hotel where he was in the habit of staying, while in Liverpool, I lost no time loitering on board the ship, but went in search of him. On reaching the hotel, I found that he had slept there the night before, but had gone out after breakfast in the morning.
My conjecture was, that he would be found at the house of Mrs Hyland; and it now occurred to me that I had been wonderfully stupid in not looking for him there in the first instance.
From the hotel, I proceeded direct to Mrs Hyland’s residence, as I walked along, anticipating much pleasure in the task of compelling Adkins to refute his own falsehoods. I feared, however, that shame would hinder him telling the truth; and that even in my presence he would stick to his infamous story. I feared it, because I did not wish to kill him.
As I had conjectured, he was visiting at Mrs Hyland’s. Just as I reached the door, Adkins was coming out.
I controlled my temper as well as I could. I did not wish to defeat my purpose by an exhibition of idle anger.
“Good morning Mr Adkins!” said I. “We meet again; and I assure you, on my part, with profound pleasure.”
He would have passed without speaking, had I not placed my body so as to block the way.
“Who the devil are you; and what do you want?” he asked, with a bullying tone and air that I had often known him assume before.
“I am Rowland Stone,” I answered, “and I wish to see you on a matter of considerable importance.”