and if you are ready to undergo some slight discomfort, I shall be
willing on my side to forget this night."

"Tell me how, sir, and whatever the cost I will perform it!"

He gave no thought to the fact that Crispin's grievance against the
Ashburns was well-founded; that they had wrecked his life even as they
had sought to destroy it; even as eighteen years ago they had destroyed
his wife's. His only thought was Cynthia; his only wish was to possess
her. Besides that, justice and honour itself were of small account.

"It is but a slight matter," answered Joseph. "A matter that I might
entrust to one of my grooms."

That whilst his grooms lay drugged the matter was so pressing that his
messenger must set out that very night, Joseph did not think of adding.

"I would, sir," answered the boy, "that the task were great and
difficult."

"Yes, yes," answered Joseph with biting sarcasm, "we are acquainted with
both your courage and your resource." He sat silent and thoughtful for
some moments, then with a sudden sharp glance at the lad:

"You shall have this chance of setting yourself right with us," he said.
Then abruptly he added.

"Go make ready for a journey. You must set out within the hour for
London. Take what you may require and arm yourself; then return to me
here."

Gregory, who, despite his sluggish wits, divined--partly, at least--what
was afoot, made shift to speak. But his brother silenced him with a
glance.

"Go," Joseph said to the boy. And, without comment, Kenneth rose and
left them.

"What would you do?" asked Gregory when the door had closed.

"Make doubly sure of that ruffian," answered Joseph coldly. "Colonel
Pride might be absent when he arrives, and he might learn that none
of the name of Lane dwells at the Anchor in Thames Street. It would be
fatal to awaken his suspicions and bring him back to us."

"But surely Richard or Stephen might carry your errand?"

"They might were they not so drugged that they cannot be aroused. I
might even go myself, but it is better so." He laughed softly. "There is
even comedy in it. Kenneth shall outride our bloodthirsty knight to warn
Pride of his coming, and when he comes he will walk into the hands of
the hangman. It will be a surprise for him. For the rest I shall keep
my promise concerning his son. He shall have news of him from Pride--but
when too late to be of service."

Gregory shuddered.

"Fore God, Joseph, 'tis a foul thing you do," he crie