“Spies! What kind of spies?”
“Political, I suppose we may call them.”
“My dear Governor, you must be mistaken! We have no such thing in England. It would not be permitted for a moment—that is, if known to the English people.”
It was Maynard himself who was mistaken. He was but echoing the popular boast and belief of the day.
There were political spies for all that; though it was the supposed era of their first introduction, and the thing was not known. It became so afterward; and was permitted by this people—silently acquiesced in by John Bull, according to his custom when any such encroachment is made—so long as it does not increase the tax upon his beer.
“Whether known or not,” answered the ex-Governor, “they are there. Step forward to the window here, and I shall show you one of them.”
Maynard joined Kossuth at the window, where he had been for a time standing.
“You had better keep the curtain as a screen—if you don’t wish to be recognised.”
“For what should I care?”
“Well, my dear captain, this is your own country. Your coming to my house may compromise you. It will make you many powerful enemies.”