“Hold!” cried the apprentice, detaining him; “I meant no offence.  Step indoors for a moment.  We can converse there more freely.”

The watchman, who, notwithstanding his ill-looks, appeared to be a good-natured fellow, was easily appeased.  Following the apprentice into the shop, on the promise of a handsome reward, he instantly commenced his relation.

“Last night,” he said, “I was keeping watch at the door of Mr. Brackley, a saddler in Aldermanbury, whose house having been attacked by the pestilence is now shut up, when I observed two persons, rather singularly attired, pass me.  Both were dressed like old men, but neither their gait nor tone of voice corresponded with their garb.”

“It must have been the Earl of Rochester and his companion,” remarked Leonard.

“You are right,” replied the other; “for I afterwards heard one of them addressed by that title.  But to proceed.  I was so much struck by the strangeness of their appearance, that I left my post for a few minutes, and followed them.  They halted beneath a gateway, and, as they conversed together very earnestly, and in a loud tone, I could distinctly hear what they said.  One of them, the stoutest of the two, complained bitterly of the indignities he had received from Mr. Bloundel’s apprentice (meaning you, of course), averring that nothing but his devotion to his companion had induced him to submit to them; and affirming, with many tremendous oaths, that he would certainly cut the young man’s throat the very first opportunity.”

“He shall not want it then,” replied Leonard contemptuously; “neither shall he lack a second application of my cudgel when we meet.  But what of his companion?  What did he say?”

“He laughed heartily at the other’s complaints,” returned the watchman, “and told him to make himself easy, for he should soon have his revenge.  ‘To-morrow night,’ he said, ’we will carry off Amabel, in spite of the apprentice or her father; and, as I am equally indebted with yourself to the latter, we will pay off old scores with him.’”

“How do they intend to effect their purpose?” demanded Leonard.

“That I cannot precisely tell,” replied the watchman.  “All I could hear was, that they meant to enter the house by the back yard about midnight.  And now, if you will make it worth my while, I will help you to catch them in their own trap.”

“Hum!” said Leonard.  “What is your name?”

“Gregory Swindlehurst,” replied the other.

“To help me, you must keep watch with me to-night,” rejoined Leonard.  “Can you do so?”

“I see nothing to hinder me, provided I am paid for my trouble,” replied Gregory.  “I will find some one to take my place at Mr. Brackley’s.  At what hour shall I come?”

“Soon after ten,” said Leonard.  “Be at the shop-door, and I will let you in.”

“Count upon me,” rejoined Gregory, a smile of satisfaction illumining his ill-favoured countenance.  “Shall I bring a comrade with me?  I know a trusty fellow who would like the job.  If Lord Rochester should have his companions with him, assistance will be required.”