This day was spent as the previous one had been, in paying visits and joining in fashionable amusements.  The news that there had been a robbery on the highway of some gold about to be shipped to Holland for the troops excited a little commotion in the place, and once or twice Tom fancied that he saw curious glances levelled at himself and his companion.  Lord Claud talked upon the subject with his usual airy negligence, but without the faintest hint of personal interest in the matter.  Nor did he even “turn a hair” when rumour reported that there was a very decided clue as to the identity of one of the band, who had been recognized by some travellers on the road, who were going in the same direction as the troopers, and had assisted them in pursuing one of the robbers.  The man had escaped; but it was asserted that he was known and could be sworn to at any time.

This was not pleasant hearing for Tom, but he showed a cool enough front at the time.  It was only when alone with Lord Claud that he asked rather anxiously if he thought it could be true.

“I doubt it,” was the reply; “it is a common thing for men to make the boast, but it seldom proves correct.  Was it true that there were others besides the troopers on the road?  I thought I saw more figures than I looked for, but knew not whether all were soldiers or not.”

“There were others,” answered Tom; “but I had no time to see what manner of men they were.  There was much shouting and cursing, and I heard one man give an exultant laugh when I turned and fired; but more than that I know not.”

Lord Claud looked thoughtful.

“Well, Tom, it boots little to meet danger half way.  ’Tis always best to put on a bold front and set it at defiance.  But this remember, that Nell Gwynne shall be kept in readiness for you by night and day.  And if ever you have reason to seek to save yourself by flight, the horse is yours; there will be money and a few necessaries strapped to the saddle.  Make your way incontinently to Captain Jack, who may always be heard of at The Three Ravens; and I will visit you there, and we will talk over the state of affairs.”

Tom nodded, and looked a little relieved in mind; but he felt as though a cloud hung over his spirit despite his attempts at defying fate.

Next morning they started off in the carriage once more, and, to Tom’s astonishment, with (apparently) the same two horses.  He looked at his comrade for a moment in mingled surprise and admiration.  Lord Claud gave an odd little smile as he replied: 

“It is always well to be provided against accident, good Tom.  Half the clever deeds of this world are rendered null and void because men forget to look ahead.  We shall see the same persons driving back as we saw driving out.  We must have the same steeds too, else would that dead horse lying in the fields tell a tale we would rather keep to ourselves.”

CHAPTER XIV.  THE SWORD OF DAMOCLES.