"Then I will go on. Yes; I will be your slave, your tool, your willing
coadjutor in crime and treachery; anything to obtain at last the
heritage out of which I have been cheated."
"Enough! You have made your decision. Henceforward let me hear no
repinings, no hypocritical regrets. And now, order your horse, gallop
back as fast as you can to the neighbourhood of Hallgrove, and show
yourself foremost amongst those who seek for Lionel Dale."
"Yes, yes; I will obey you--I will shake off this miserable hesitation.
I will make my nature iron, as you have made yours."
Sir Reginald rang, and ordered his horse to be brought round to the
door of the inn.
"Where and when shall I see you again?" he asked Victor, as he was
putting on the coat which had hung before the fire to be dried.
"In London, when you return there."
"You leave here soon?"
"To-morrow morning. You will write to me by to-morrow night's post to
tell me all that has occurred in the interval."
"I will do so," answered Reginald.
"Good, and now go; you have already been too long out of the way of
those who should have witnessed your affectionate anxiety about your
cousin."
* * * * *
CHAPTER XXIV.
"I AM WEARY OF MY PART."
Reginald mounted his horse, questioned the ostler respecting the way to
the appointed spot on the river-bank, and rode away in the direction
indicated.
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