mself by the side of Elizabeth, he came
to the conclusion that a short time longer would make but little
difference, and for that time, at all events, he would enjoy her
society, while he might also take a few more gallops on Master Pearson's
thoroughbred horses. He had not forgotten Alethea, however, and he
nattered himself that he was as true in his allegiance to her as he had
been before.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN.

JOURNEY TO LONDON WITH LONG SAM.

The month of February, 1696, had commenced, when one evening a rider was
seen coming across the marsh from the direction of the sea. He threw
himself from his horse, and called out loudly for Master Pearson. Jack
recognised his voice as that of the tall stranger, Long Sam, whom he had
met on his first arrival. He took Pearson, who went out to him, by the
arm, and walked up and down in front of the house rapidly for some time,
talking earnestly to him. Meantime, the dame and Elizabeth were
preparing the evening meal. The new arrival, whose appearance was very
different to what it had been formerly, now entered the house, and
placed himself before the table, to partake of the food provided for
him. While he was thus engaged, Pearson called Jack aside.

"Our friend here has business in London of importance, and requires a
trustworthy attendant. Are you disposed to accompany him?" he asked.
"You will find it, as I have before promised you, a good opportunity of
seeing the great city, and all your expenses will besides be paid, while
you will receive a handsome gratuity to boot. Take my advice: don't
throw the chance away. As I told you before, you will be as safe there
as you are in the middle of the fens, and you will, besides, very likely
find an opportunity of pushing your fortune, which you certainly will
not out here."

Jack thanked Pearson for the offer. The temptation was strong, and
whatever might have been his suspicions of the tall stranger, he
determined to accept it.

"You will set off to-morrow morning by daybreak, with eight horses.
Each of you will take charge of three and bestride another, and you will
be able to dispose of them in London or its neighbourhood for handsome
prices. They will make fine chargers, and will very likely be purchased
by officers of cavalry. Long Sam knows London well, and will make all
the necessary arrangements for their sale."

Elizabeth's colour changed when Jack told her that he was about to take
his departure fo