This was such a queer answer that Lackington gave an incredulous exclamation.
“It is probably true,” said Sir Francis, without looking up from his letters; “I have come across the same kind of cypher, at least once before.”
“Thank you, sir,” said the agent. “And now, my boy, tell me this. How did you know what it meant?”
“Please, sir,” said the lad, a little encouraged by the kinder tone, “I have noticed that twice before when Mr. Roger could not go, and I was sent with the same message, all the folks and the priest came on the next Sunday; and I think that it means that all is safe, and that they can come.”
“You are a sharp lad,” said the spy approvingly. “I am satisfied with you.”
“Then, sir, may I go home?” asked the boy with hopeful entreaty in his voice.
“Nay, nay,” said the other, “I have not done with you yet. Answer me some more questions. Why did you not go to the priest first?”
“Because I was bidden to go to him last,” said the boy. “If I had been to all the other houses by five o’clock last night, then I was to meet the priest at Papists’ Corner in Paul’s Church. But if I had not done them—as I had not,—then I was to see the priest to-night at the same place.”
Lackington mused a moment.
“What is the priest’s name?” he asked.