"The law is uncommon slow to say anything, confound it! My lawyer in Bridgenorth was at first all for an accommodation, as he called it; he wanted me to make terms with that rogue Cludde, and a host of letters passed between him and Moggridge, who is Cludde's attorney. But that failed; of course it did, since I wouldn't give way, and now my man has filed a bill in chancery to make Lucy a ward of court, with me as her guardian. The other side is opposing, and the case will not come on till next sessions and maybe not then. My man says we are bound to win, the court, as he declares, being very jealous of the rights of minors, especially where property is concerned. But meanwhile we live in constant fear of the girl being carried off, and if they once get her there will be precious little chance of getting her back." "Can we not imprison Dick Cludde for the former attempt?" I suggested. "Now that I am back I could give evidence against him." "He is away with his ship, and will be careful, you may be sure, not to show his nose again in these parts while there is any danger." "But the other fellow, Vetch--has he been seen hereabouts? I have often wondered what became of him after he left prison." "What is he like?" "A tall, thin, weasel-faced fellow, with a sour look." "No, I have not seen or heard of him." "If I could hear of his whereabouts I would have him arrested for his complicity in my kidnapping. I own I should feel more secure of Mistress Lucy's safety if I knew he was laid by the heels. Could you give me a warrant, sir, which I could execute if ever I met him?" "I will certainly do so, though I doubt if he'll ever give you the opportunity. Villains of his stamp are uncommonly clever in running to earth. But you shall have the warrant." "I shall see his uncle tomorrow," I said. "May I mention Mistress Lucy's affairs to him? He was accounted a good lawyer until that unhappy business of my father's will, and as he has no reason to love the Cluddes, or his nephew either, I am sure he would give the best advice he knows." "Do so, by all means; 'twill be some comfort to know that my man is taking the right course." We sat till near midnight, and Mr. Allardyce recovered something of his usual good spirits before I rose to say good night. As he shook hands with me he broke into a sudden laugh. "Egad!" he cried, "I had forgot to ask you whether you still have that crown piece you were so loath to part with." "Indeed I have," I said, laughing too. "It is slung about my neck, and there it will remain until I return it with interest to Dick Cludde." "Dick Cludde!" says he. "What! is he concerned in that, too?" And then I told him what I had hitherto kept to myself--that incident upon the road when Cludde flung the coin at me. "On my life, Humphrey," he said, "I should not care to have you for an enemy." And then we parted.