“Think!” said Phillip, with a curling lip. “I am _sure_ of it, for who but he could have known of his uncle’s intended journey?” “I see, I see,—go on: this adventure is intensely exciting. And what happened?” “He knew that I was in the power of his friends, and the young villain became very defiant. He drew his sword, and would have rushed upon me unarmed as I was.” “Cowardly, cowardly boy!” said the father. “But, when least expected, I whipped a weapon out of the scabbard of one present, and went at him.” “Good! excellent! What then?” “At the first thrust I disarmed him, and the young villain cried for mercy. I granted it, but when least expected, the whole gang dashed at me, furious that their young chief—” “Chief! you do not mean, then, that Ned Warbeck has joined a band of robbers, and been made their captain?” “I do, though, just as you say. They rushed at me with savage oaths. I retreated to the door, fighting as I went, and reached my horse. Just as I was about to escape, young Warbeck dashed out upon me, and gave me a sly thrust.” “Oh, the young imp of the devil!” groaned old Redgill, “just to think of his cunning and roguery; to leave his uncle’s home to be captain of a band of highwaymen! Why, the young varlet will shortly grace a gibbet.” “Not a doubt of it, and I shall never rest content until I see it come to pass.” While father and son were thus conversing, one of the clerks entered and announced a stranger. “Who, and what kind of person is he?” “An officer of the Crown, sir; a tall man with a black patch over his eye.” “An officer of the Crown,” thought Phillip, and his face turned crimson. “What can he want here?” the old merchant asked. “I know not, sir; but he is a swaggering kind of person, and is now walking up and down the stone passage entrance-hall, clanking his sword in a very fierce and valiant manner.” “Did he give any name?” Phillip asked, in an uneasy manner. “No, Mr. Phillip.” “Admit him,” said the old man, impatiently. “What can any officer of the Crown want with us, I wonder?” “I know not,” his son answered; “but, as it may be a matter of secresy, I will retire.” “Nay, do not, my son; stay with me.” Phillip, however, rose from his chair with difficulty, and proceeded towards the door. At that moment it was opened. Captain Jack stalked in. For a moment he was staggered at seeing Phillip Redgill, and opened his eyes very wide. Phillip put his finger to his lips slyly. Captain Jack coughed significantly, and said not a word. Phillip now altered his mind, and sat in a chair. “Your business, sir!” said the old merchant, impatiently. “My name first, and business afterwards, is the style, I think!” said Captain Jack, doffing his hat, and stroking his chin. Without invitation he squatted down in a chair, and stretched out his immense long legs to the utmost. Seeing a decanter of wine on the table, he helped himself to a large tumbler-full, and tossed it off, saying,