“Certainly, with Wilson, as I said.  I saw our friend Castleton but now, and he advised me of your promptness.  He had searched for you for days, he being chosen by Wilson for his friend—­and said he had at last found you in your lodgings.  Egad!  I have mistook your kidney completely.  Never in London was a duel brought on so swift.  ‘Fight?  This afternoon!’ said you.  Jove! but the young bloods laughed when they heard of it.  ’Bloody Scotland’ is what they have christened you at the Green Lion.  ’He said to me,’ said Charlie, ’that he was slow to find a quarrel, but since this quarrel was brought home to him, ’twere meet ’twere soon finished.  He thought, forsooth, that four o’clock of the afternoon were late enough.’  Gad!  But you might have given Wilson time at least for one more dinner.”

“What do you mean?” exclaimed Law, mystified still.

“Mean!  Why, I mean that I’ve been scouring London to find you.  My faith, man, but thou’rt a sudden actor!  Where caught you this unseemly haste?”

“Sir Arthur,” said the other, slowly, “you do me too much justice.  I have made no arrangement to meet Mr. Wilson, nor have I any wish to do so.”

“Pish, man!  You must not jest with me in such a case as this.  ’Tis no masquerading.  Let me tell you, Wilson has a vicious sword, and a temper no less vicious.  You have touched him on his very sorest spot.  He has gone to meet you this vary hour.  His coach will be at Bloomsbury Square this afternoon, and there he will await you.  I promise you he is eager as yourself.  ’Tis too late now to accommodate this matter, even had you not sent back so prompt and bold an answer.”

“I have sent him no answer at all!” cried Law.  “I have not seen Castleton at all.”

“Oh, come!” expostulated Sir Arthur, his face showing a flush of annoyance.

“Sir Arthur,” continued Law, as he raised his head, “I am of the misfortune to be but young in London, and I am in need of your friendship.  I find myself pressed for rapid transportation.  Pray you, give me your mount, for I must have speed.  I shall not need the service of your seconding.  Indulge me now by asking no more, and wait until we meet again.  Give me the horse, and quickly.”

“But you must be seconded!” cried the other.  “This is too unusual.  Consider!” Yet all the time he was giving a hand at the stirrup of Law, who sprang up and was off before he had time to formulate his own wonder.

“Who and what is he?” muttered the young nobleman to himself as he gazed after the retreating form.  “He rides well, at least, as he does everything else well.  ‘Till I return,’ forsooth, ‘till I return!’ Gad!  I half wish you had never come in the first place, my Bloody Scotland!”

As for Law, he rode swiftly, asking at times his way, losing time here, gaining it again there, creating much hatred among foot folk by his tempestuous speed, but giving little heed to aught save his own purpose.  In time he reached Bradwell Street and flung himself from his panting horse in front of the dingy door of the lodging house.  He rushed up the stairs at speed and threw open the door of the little room.  It was empty.