But for the most part he sought to drown thought and reflection by plunging into a vortex of gaiety.  He was no longer laughed at as a country bumpkin.  He had been quick to pick up the airs of a man about town.  He dressed excellently, having toned down his first fopperies; and finding that a rich and sober style best suited his fine proportions, he adopted that, made his mark, and was treated with respect and courtesy.

He had not learned the jargon of the day, and was a silent man in company; but that was considered rather a distinguishing trait in one who could handle the sword and lose his money at the gaming tables with the aplomb that Tom had acquired.  And a fine sum did he lose, too, during the days that followed upon the escapade; for he felt a sort of recklessness upon him, and as he had a sense of being hunted down and tracked, he thought he might make the most of freedom and wealth so long as they were his.

He was Lord Claud’s guest for those days, feeling safer in his company than elsewhere; and that worthy appeared not to know fear.  Indeed, he had succeeded in covering his tracks so well, that Tom did not see how anything could be brought home to his door.  It made him think of words he had heard dropped before, to the effect that to be Lord Claud’s confederate was to be also his victim.  He wondered if there had been any truth in these insinuations, and whether he was trusting in a man who was ready to save himself at the risk of his friend.

It was difficult to believe this when in the company of his patron.  It was when alone that the doubts would at times assail him, and therefore he was happier in the company of Lord Claud than in any other.

He had not been to his old lodgings since his escapade.  He felt an odd sort of reluctance to facing honest Master Cale, and parrying the questions which might be addressed to him.  But he resolved not to let a second Sunday pass without a visit; and upon the Saturday he returned thither, dressed in his sober riding suit, and striving to meet the welcome of his host with an air of unconcerned and natural gaiety.

“Good Tom, you are welcome indeed!” exclaimed the perruquier eagerly, taking him by the hand and drawing him within.  “I have been suffering no small anxiety upon your account, my lad.  I trust and hope without any cause.”

Tom forced a smile, and hoped it was a natural one, as he asked gaily: 

“And wherefore this fear for me, good mine host?”

“There have been ugly whispers in the air ever since the robbery of the gold on its way to Holland.  Men will talk and wonder, and it was known to all that Lord Claud had driven forth the day previous northward from London, and that you were his companion.  Men’s tongues have wagged for less than that, Tom, and for less weighty matters.”

The little man was scanning his guest’s face somewhat earnestly.  Tom felt a most unwelcome qualm of shame and pain, such as he had only experienced before when thinking of his mother and sister.