Page 292 - A Jacobite Exile

go into any society without the risk of someone knowing me again."

They accordingly made their way down to Westminster, and Charlie visited
several taverns. At each he called for wine, and was speedily accosted by

one or more men, who perceived that he was a stranger, and scented booty.
He stated freely that he had just come up to town, and intended to stay
some short time there. He allowed himself to be persuaded to enter the

room where play was going on, but declined to join, saying that, as yet, he
was ignorant of the ways of town, and must see a little more of them before

he ventured his money, but that, when he felt more at home, he should be
ready enough to join in a game of dice or cards, being considered a good
hand at both.

After staying at each place about half an hour, he made his way out, getting

rid of his would-be friends with some little difficulty, and with a promise
that he would come again, ere long.

For six days he continued his inquiries, going out every evening with his
guide, and taking his meals, for the most part, at one or other of the taverns,

in hopes that he might happen upon the man of whom he was in search. At
the end of that time, he had a great surprise. As he entered the hotel to take
supper, the waiter said to him:

"There is a gentleman who has been asking for you, in the public room. He

arrived an hour ago, and has hired a chamber."

"Asking for me?" Charlie repeated in astonishment. "You must be

mistaken."

"Not at all, sir. He asked for Mr. Charles Conway, and that is the name you
wrote down in the hotel book, when you came."

"That must be me, sure enough, but who can be asking for me I cannot
imagine. However, I shall soon know."