“There is no doubt that this is of importance,” Charlie said, when he had read the letter through.  “It is only by getting hold of this villain that there is any chance of our obtaining proof of the foul treachery of which you were the victim.  Hitherto, we have had no clue whatever as to where he was to be looked for.  Now, there can be little doubt that he has returned to his haunts in London.  I understand now, father, why you wanted me to get leave.  You mean that I shall undertake this business.”

“That was my thought, Charlie.  You are now well-nigh twenty, and would scarce be recognized as the boy who left four years ago.  The fellow would know me at once, and I might be laid by the heels again under the old warrant; besides being charged with breaking away from the custody of the soldiers.  Besides, in this business youth and strength and vigour are requisite.  I would gladly take the matter in my own hands, but methinks you would have a better chance of bringing it to a favourable issue.  Now that Anne is on the throne, she and her advisers will look leniently upon the men whose only fault was devotion to her father; and if we can once get this foul charge of assassination lifted from our shoulders, I and Jervoise and the others who had to fly at the same time, may all be permitted to return, and obtain a reversal of the decree of the Act of Confiscation of our estates.

“I have no friends at court, but I know that Jervoise was a close acquaintance, years ago, of John Churchill, who is now Duke of Marlborough, and they say high in favour with Anne.  I did not think of it when I wrote to you, but a week later it came to my mind that his intervention might be very useful, and I took advantage of an officer, leaving here for the army, to send by him a letter to Jervoise, telling him that there was now some hope of getting at the traitor who served as John Dormay’s instrument in his plot against us.  I said that I had sent for you, and thought it probable you would take the matter in hand; and I prayed him to send me a letter of introduction for you to the duke, so that, if you could by any means obtain the proof of our innocence of this pretended plot, he might help you to obtain a reversal of the Act of Confiscation against us all.  I have asked him to write at once, and I will send the letter after you, as soon as I get it.

“I know nothing of London, but I have heard of the Bull’s Head, in Fenchurch Street, as being one frequented by travellers from the country.  You had best put up there, and thither I will forward the note from Jervoise.”

“The letter will be a useful one, indeed, father, when I have once wrung the truth from that villain Nicholson.  It will be an expedition after my own heart.  There is first the chance of punishing the villain, and then the hope of restoring you to your place at dear old Lynnwood.”

“You must be careful, Charlie.  Remember it would never do to kill the rascal.  That would be the greatest of misfortunes; for, with his death, any chance of unmasking the greater villain would disappear.”