“A good resolution,” said a voice behind him.
Jack was not aware he had been speaking aloud.
“I followed you, because I want to have a word more with you,” said the speaker, in whom Jack at once recognised his late companion, Master Pearson. “There’s mettle in you of the right sort,” continued the stranger. “What say you? Would you like to join a band of brave fellows who have a right good cause to fight for?” he whispered in a low voice. “There’s honour and distinction to be gained, and a name, maybe, and wealth in the end. It is what most men fight for, and I take it that you would not be less ready than others to use your sword for such an object.”
“I am much obliged to you for the compliment you pay me,” answered Jack, “and for the good opinion you have formed of my courage; but I have no great fancy for undertaking what I know nothing about. Men do not always agree as to the goodness of a cause, and what you may consider a good cause, you will pardon me for saying it, I may consider a bad one.”
“A very discreet answer,” observed Master Pearson, “and I think all the better of you for making it. Well, I will not press you just now. I have no doubt we shall meet again before long, and though I cannot tell you where to find me, I have a fancy that I shall have no great difficulty in putting my finger upon you at any time. So farewell, Master John Deane: you see I know you, and moreover I wish you well.”
Saying this, the stranger wrung Jack’s hand cordially. Still he lingered, rather unwilling perhaps to let the young man go without making a more favourable impression.
“It is a good cause and a right cause which I invite you to join. I must not explain it more to you just now, but just think the matter over; and stay, it’s just possible I shall remain in Nottingham all to-morrow. Will you meet me in the evening as soon as it is dusk, down by the bank of the river, where you fell in with me just now? I will explain matters more fully to you then.”
Jack did not answer for a minute or more. “I must think of it,” he said at last. “You may be a very honest man, Mr Pearson, and your intentions towards me perhaps are fair, but I tell you again, I have no fancy to take a leap in the dark. I have a plan in view myself, and I would rather carry that out than try any other. You have wished me farewell to-night already, and now I will wish you the same, and leave you.”
Saying this, Jack took the stranger’s proffered hand, and shaking it, hurried off in the direction in which he was previously going. Master Pearson looked after him for an instant, and nodding his head, said to himself, “He is an honest lad as well as a brave one, and may be made of use if I can get a bridle into his mouth.”