"No, sir—that is to say, sir—not to say told him, sir—but I did mention—just mention, sir, that—"
Hugh Ritson smiled coldly. "Of course—precisely. Were you more prudent with the girl?"
"Oh, yes, sir, being as you told me not to name it to the missy—"
"He is asleep, I see."
"Yes, sir; he'd no sooner taken bite and sup than he dropped off in his chair, same as you see, sir; and never a word since. He must have traveled all night."
"He did not explain?"
"Oh, no, sir; he on'y called for his cold meat and his ale, sir, and—"
"You see, his old mother ain't noways in his confidence, master," said one of the countrymen on the bench.
"Nor you in mine, my friend," said Hugh Ritson, facing about. Then turning again to the landlady, he said: "Tell him some one wants to speak with him. Or, wait, I'll tell him myself."
He stepped into the room with the sleeping man, and closed the door after him.