“I will think it over,” said Jack. “I would rather go back to Nottingham and meet the charge like a man. If a fine would get me off, I would sell every thing I possess; though I have no fancy for the pillory, I will confess.”
“You would run a great risk of the pillory, let me tell you,” observed Pearson; “so I would advise you to carry out the plan I proposed; I think our reverend friend here will give you the same advice.”
“Indeed would I, my son,” observed the minister; “and though by it you have made yourself amenable to the laws, I cannot see that you are called upon of your own free will to expiate your offence by undergoing the punishment that would await you. I propose to accompany Master Pearson, and may be I shall be able to give you such counsel and advice as will keep you in future from committing such follies and transgressions. These are bad times we live in. Our ancient customs are being overthrown daily, and no man can say where it will all end.”
“I thought that most people were pretty well contented now that King William is firmly seated on the throne, and that great improvements are taking place throughout the country in all directions,” observed Jack, repeating the remarks he had often heard made by his father, Dr Deane, the Worshipful Mr Pinkstone, and others.
The minister sighed.
“What some call improvements others may look upon in a very different light,” he observed; “but we will talk of these things by and by, my young friend; perhaps matters which you now see in one light, you may then see in another.”
It is scarcely necessary to repeat the conversation which took place. Jack was excessively puzzled with many of the remarks made by his companions, especially by the divinity student, who seemed to have notions very different to those held in general by Puritan divines. He was evidently a shrewd man, with cunning, piercing eyes, and sharp features, professing to care very little for the good things of life. It appeared that he was to remain at the house where they then were, for Master Pearson wished him good night, and, telling him that he would return anon, invited Jack to accompany him into Cambridge, where he would endeavour to find out the Cat and Whistle, the sign of the hostelry at which Brinsmead and his drovers had put up.
“No necessity to tell old Will what we have been talking about,” observed Pearson; “especially that poaching matter, for instance. Tell him that you have received instructions to part company with him at Saint Faith’s; and if you render exact account of all your transactions, and give him up any money you may have received belonging to Mr Strelley, he can have no cause of complaint.”
Pearson accompanied Deane to the entrance of the inn, where, shaking him warmly by the hand, he said, “Remember Saint Faith’s; for your own sake keep to your present intention.”
Jack followed Pearson’s advice with regard to the account he gave of the cause of his absence. Old Will fixed his keen grey eyes upon him; and Jack could not help feeling that he looked at him with suspicion.