IN ENGLAND AGAIN 293

loose blades, spending his money freely, and drinking and
dicing with the best of them.

“A week since he was seen down here in a very sorry
state, looking as if luck had gone altogether against him,
Benjamin Haddock, who lives, as you know, close to the
gate of Lynnwood, told me that he saw one pass along the
road just as it was dusk, whom he could swear was that
varlet Nicholson. He went to the door and looked after
him to make sure, and saw him enter the gate. Next day
Nicholson was in Lancaster. He was spending money
freely there, and rode off on a good horse, which looked ill
assorted with his garments, though he purchased some of
better fashion in the town. It seemed to me likely that he
must have got money from the usurper. I do not know
whether your honour will deem this news of importance,
but I thought it well to write to you at once. Any further
news I may gather I will send without fail. Your humble
servant, John Banks.”

“There is no doubt that this is of importance,”’ Charlie
said, when he had read the letter through. “It is only by
getting hold of this villain that there is any chance of our
obtaining proof of the foul treachery of which you were the
victim. Hitherto we have had no clue whatever as to
where he was to be looked for. Now there can be little
doubt that he has returned to his haunts in London. I
understand now, father, why you wanted me to get leave.
You mean that I shall undertake this business.”

“That was my thought, Charlie. You are now well-nigh
twenty, and would scarce be recognized as the boy who leit
four years ago. The fellow would know me at once, and [
might be laid by the heels again under the old warrant;
besides being charged with breaking away from the custody
of the soldiers. Besides, in this business youth and strength
and vigour are requisite. I would gladly take the matter
in my own hands, but methinks you would have a better