Page 287 - A Jacobite Exile

Dormay's instrument in his plot against us. I said that I had sent for you,
and thought it probable you would take the matter in hand; and I prayed

him to send me a letter of introduction for you to the duke, so that, if you
could by any means obtain the proof of our innocence of this pretended

plot, he might help you to obtain a reversal of the Act of Confiscation
against us all. I have asked him to write at once, and I will send the letter
after you, as soon as I get it.

"I know nothing of London, but I have heard of the Bull's Head, in

Fenchurch Street, as being one frequented by travellers from the country.
You had best put up there, and thither I will forward the note from
Jervoise."

"The letter will be a useful one, indeed, father, when I have once wrung the

truth from that villain Nicholson. It will be an expedition after my own
heart. There is first the chance of punishing the villain, and then the hope of
restoring you to your place at dear old Lynnwood."

"You must be careful, Charlie. Remember it would never do to kill the

rascal. That would be the greatest of misfortunes; for, with his death, any
chance of unmasking the greater villain would disappear."

"I will be careful, father. I cannot say how I shall set about the matter, yet.
That must depend upon circumstances; but, as you say, above all things I

must be careful of the fellow's life. When is there a ship sailing, father?"

"The day after tomorrow, Charlie. You will want that time for getting

clothes, suitable to a young gentleman of moderate condition, up from the
country on a visit to London. You must make up your mind that it will be a

long search before you light on the fellow, for we have no clue as to the
tavern he frequents. As a roistering young squire, wanting to see London
life, you could go into taverns frequented by doubtful characters, for it is

probably in such a place that you will find him.

"However, all this I must leave to you. You showed yourself, in that Polish
business, well able to help yourself out of a scrape, and if you could do that