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