298 A JACOBITE EXILE

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?”

“He called himself Nicholson when we last met; but
like enough that is not his real name, and if it is, he may
be known by another here. He is a lanky knave of middle
height, but more than that, except that he has a shifty look
about his eyes, I cannot tell you.”

“And his condition, you say, is changeable?”

“Very much so, I should say. 1 should fancy that when
in funds he would frequent places where he could prey on
careless young fellows from the country like myself. When
his pockets are empty I should say he would herd with the
lowest rascals.”’

“Well, sir, as you say he is in funds at present, we will
this evening visit a tavern or two frequented by young
blades, some of whom have more money than wit, and by
men who live by their wits and nothing else. But you must
not be disappointed if the search prove a long one before
you run your hare down, for the indications you have given
me are very doubtful. He may be living in Alsatia, hard