Page 290 - A Jacobite Exile

"You look to me like one who could hold his own in a fray," he added, as
his eye ran over the athletic figure before him, "but it is not always fair

fighting. These fellows hang together, and while engaged with one, half a
dozen might fall upon you. As to your purse, sir, it is your own affair. You

will assuredly lose your money, if you play or wager with them. But that is
no concern of mine. Neither, you may say, is your life; but it seems to me
that it is. One young gentleman from the country, who wanted, like you, to

see life, was killed in a brawl, and I have never forgiven myself for having
taken him to the tavern where he lost his life. Thus, I say that, though

willing enough to earn a crown or two outside my own work, I must decline
to take you to places where, as it seems to me, you are likely to get into
trouble."

"You are an honest fellow, and I like you all the more, for speaking out

frankly to me," Charlie said, "and were I, as I told your brother, thinking of
going to such places solely for amusement, what you say would have
weight with me. But, as I see that you are to be trusted, I will tell you more.

I want to find a man who did me and mine a grievous ill turn. I have no
intention of killing him, or anything of that sort, but it is a matter of great

importance to lay hand on him. All I know of him is that he is a frequenter
of taverns here, and those not of the first character. Just at present he is, I
have reason to believe, provided with funds, and may push himself into

places where he would not show himself when he is out of luck. Still, it is
more likely he is to be found in the lowest dens, among rascals of his own

kidney. I may lose a little money, but I shall do so with my eyes open, and
solely to obtain a footing at the places where I am most likely to meet him."

"That alters the affair," the man said gravely. "It will add to your danger;
for as you know him, I suppose he knows you, also."

"No. It is four years since we met, and I have so greatly changed, in that
time, that I have no fear he would recognize me. At any rate, not here in

London, which is the last place he would suspect me of being in."

"That is better. Well, sir, if that be your object, I will do my best to help
you. What is the fellow's name and description?"