Sir John nodded, and the smile of satisfaction seemed permanent. "You observe closely, landlord. I warrant you could describe the mistress's clothing for all you were so ordered about by the maid." The landlord grinned, and proved his observation by a somewhat close description. "I get asked such questions sometimes," he said, "when a mistress runs away, or a rebel makes hastily for the sea-coast and safety. It is well to be observant." Sir John laughed, and having demanded that the post-boys supplied to-morrow should not be of the sort who see a highwayman in every broken tree trunk by the wayside, he departed. The conversation had been overheard by a crowd of loafers in the adjoining room, who had suspended their drinking to watch this fine gentleman to whom the landlord was so attentive. Then the clatter and conversation began again, and only one man was interested enough to seek further information. He had only entered a few moments ago; now he approached the landlord. "I heard your description just now; it interested me." The landlord looked at Fairley from head to foot, and then brought his eyes to bear keenly on his face. "You are not known to me." "But I am to the lady, unless I mistake not. You spoke of runaway mistresses, and truly I think that shot at a venture found its mark." "You would follow her?" "If your answer to a question or two satisfies me, I will ride without delay the best horse you have." The questions were asked, and Martin was so satisfied that he was impatient to be gone. "So that I am well paid it's no odds to me," said the landlord. "I made the lady no promise, and she's not the first who has grown tired of her husband, nor will she be the last." "She may thank you for giving me the information," Fairley answered. "Ink and paper quickly, landlord; I must write a letter before I go." By the time the horse was ready the letter was written. "Find a messenger for this, landlord, and see that it is delivered without delay. There is payment for the messenger; tell him he will receive a like sum from the gentleman to whom this is addressed." There was a certain awkwardness about Martin Fairley as he rode out of the yard, enough to show that he was not so accomplished a horseman as some men; yet he had improved in his riding since he had borne Gilbert Crosby company from "The Jolly Farmers" that night. The letter was delivered to Sydney Fellowes before Fairley had gone many miles upon his journey.