I went to the inn from which that particular
coach always starts; and here, after much trouble and delay, I was
lucky enough to see the guard. From him I derived some valuable
information; or perhaps, I ought to say some information that I think
may turn up trumps. He perfectly remembered the man Milsom by my
description of him, I having got the description from old Mother
Brimstone; and he remembered the child, because of her crying a deal,
and the passengers pitying her, and being pleased with her pretty
looks, and trying to comfort her, and so on. The guard himself took a
deal of notice of the child, and thought the man was not much good; and
when they got to London, he felt curious like, he said, to know where
the two would go, and what would become of them."
"And did he find out?" gasped Lady Eversleigh.
"As good luck would have it, he did. The man got into a hackney-coach,
and the guard heard the driver tell him to go to Ratcliff Highway--that
was all."
"Then I will find him," exclaimed Honoria, with feverish excitement. "I
know the place well--too well! I will go with you to London, Mr.
Larkspur, and I myself will help you to find my treasure."
In the extremity of her excitement she was reckless what secrets she
betrayed. She had but one thought, one consideration, and that to her
was life or death.
"Don't question me," she said to Captain Copplestone, who stared at her
in amazement; "my girlhood was spent in a den of thieves--my womanhood
has been one long struggle against pitiless enemies.
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