"Sir Rowland Trenchard!" echoed Jack, in amazement. "What are you doing with him?"
"It's a long story, Captain, and I've no breath to tell it,—unless you choose to release me," rejoined Quilt.
"Get up, then," said Jack, freeing his foot from the stirrup. "Now—begin."
Quilt, however, seemed unwilling to speak.
"I should be sorry to proceed to extremities," continued Sheppard, again raising the pistol.
"Well, since you force me to betray my master's secrets," replied Quilt, sullenly, "I've ridden express to Manchester to deliver a message to Sir Rowland."
"Respecting Thames Darrell?" observed Jack.
"Why, how the devil did you happen to guess that?" cried the janizary.
"No matter," replied Sheppard. "I'm glad to find I'm right. You informed Sir Rowland that Thames Darrell was returned?"
"Exactly so," replied Quilt, "and he instantly decided upon returning to London with me. We've ridden post all the way, and I'm horribly tired, or you wouldn't have mastered me so easily."