As we did so I noticed a little group of men standing near the river were regarding my companion with great curiosity, but concluded that this was due to the fine manly presence and dignified mien of Sir Hubert.
It was a little startling, however, to find that, while we were searching for the house we wanted, we occasionally encountered one or another of these individuals, apparently watching us with interest.
'Those men get upon my nerves,' I said at last. 'We meet them everywhere.'
Sir Hubert laughed.
'I have been thinking that the men of Kingston have a strange similarity of appearance,' he said. 'Can they possibly be the same men?'
I answered, 'Yes, I am sure of it. And I do not like to see them so frequently.'
'But who is this?' exclaimed Sir Hubert with delight.
It was Sir William Wood, who, coming suddenly round a corner, almost ran into my dear knight's arms.
'The very man I want!' cried he. 'You have been long in coming, Hubert, my friend!'
'And now that I am here, before we discuss anything, there is this lady, Mistress Margery Brown, to bring to a place of safety for the night. I hope Lady Caroline is at Kingston.'