Page 315 - A Jacobite Exile

"Next Wednesday evening I am free, except for a reception at Lord
Godolphin's, but I can look in there late. I will not ask you here, because I

want you to myself. I will have a private room at Parker's coffee house in
Covent Garden. We will sup at seven. When you go there, ask for Mr.

Church's room, and make yourself comfortable there until I come, for I can
never answer for my own hours. In that way, we shall be free from all
chance of interruption, and I can pick your brains undisturbed. You will

remember the day and hour. Should there be any change in this private
matter of yours, do not hesitate to come to me here."

Tony Peters, their guide and adviser, reported favourably as to the people
with whom the highwayman was lodging.

"The house is kept by the widow of an usher at the palace. She entertains

gentlemen from the country, who come up on business at the courts of
justice, or with people of influence at court. I have ascertained that our man
passes as a well-to-do trader of Salisbury, who comes up, two or three

times a year, to transact business, and to enjoy for a short time the pleasures
of town. He is liberal in his payments, and is held in high respect by the

woman, whose only objection to him, as a lodger, is the late hours he
keeps. He is a crafty fellow this, for by always going to the same house,
and comporting himself with moderation, he secures a place of retirement,

where, however close the quest after him, there will be no suspicion
whatever, as to his profession, on the part of the people he is with.

"My man found out all these matters from the servant wench. We shall
have no difficulty in taking him quietly. The woman will be so terrified,

when I tell her what he is wanted for, that she will do anything rather than
have a scandal that would damage the reputation of the house."

He assured Charlie that he need give the matter no further thought. All the
arrangements would be made, and, unless he heard farther from him, he and

Harry would only have to present themselves, at the door of the house in
question, at two o'clock on the morning of Saturday.