“How many men can your constable raise, and what sort of men are they?”
“Oh, he can raise all we can possibly want, and plenty of them are good and reliable.”
“Very well. And now, my lord, I will answer your question. Write to the admiralty that they need not send any more vessels of war after the pirate. He will, in all probability, never put to sea again. Write to the commissioner of police that you will not need their help. With regard to the constable of Headlandshire, let him be prepared; but be sure that he makes no open movement until further orders. If you will trust to my guidance, I think you will not be disappointed.”
“You will keep me informed—you will—”
“My lord,” said the young man as the earl hesitated, “you need be under no anxiety. I will keep my eyes open, and you shall know just what is to be done and when.”
The old nobleman was greatly relieved, more so, perhaps, than he would have acknowledged, and his thanks were warmly given.
A few more questions on the subject of the pirate chief, for such they did not hesitate to call him, were asked and answered, after which Cordelia, who had been an interested listener—particularly interested, because she saw her noble guardian deferring most respectfully to her dear lover—claimed to be heard. She was eager to know when they would visit the old chapel.
“If you refer it to me for decision,” said Percy, as he found his host’s gaze fixed inquiringly upon him, “I say the sooner the better. I wish there could have been time this afternoon, but to-morrow will answer. The goods that are now being removed from the brig are going back into the country. They are proper contraband articles, and were purchased in France and Spain and at the Azores, without the help, I believe, of Captain Tryon. The last of those goods will probably be out to-morrow, or on the day following, and after that they will be moving things into the cavern. So you understand why we need to be expeditious.”
“Suppose, then, we call it to-morrow morning?” suggested the earl.
And so it was arranged. Percy promised that he would be on hand at an early hour; and he suggested that not a word should be spoken on the subject to others.