I said no more to him then; but instead of going immediately to my lodgings, I went first to see Mr. Chiffinch, and found him just come in. I told him very briefly what James had told me; but made no comment. He whistled, and bade me sit down.
"They are after you then," he said. "I thought they would be."
"But who are they?" said I, a little peevishly.
"If I knew their names," said the page, "I could put my hands on them on some excuse or other. But I do not know. It is the dregs of the old country-party no doubt."
"And what good do they think to get out of me?"
"Why, it is revenge no doubt," he said. "They know that you are down with the king and have not many friends; and they suspect that you are still in with the secret service, no doubt."
"They are after my life, then?" I asked.
"I should suppose so."
He considered a minute or two in silence. At last he spoke again.
"I will have a word with His Majesty. He is treating you shamefully, Mr.
Mallock; and I will tell him so. And I will take other measures also."