It appears that Ralph was not less the subject of consideration with the
individual in question. We have seen the degree and kind of espionage
which the former had felt at one time disposed to resent; and how he was
defeated in his design by the sudden withdrawal of the obnoxious
presence. On his departure with Forrester from the gallery, Rivers
reappeared--his manner that of doubt and excitement; and, after hurrying
for a while with uncertain steps up and down the apartment, he passed
hastily into the adjoining hall, where the landlord sat smoking,
drinking, and expatiating at large with his guests. Whispering something
in his ear, the latter rose, and the two proceeded into the adjoining
copse, at a point as remote as possible from hearing, when the
explanation of this mysterious caution was opened by Rivers.
"Well, Munro, we are like to have fine work with your accursed and
blundering good-nature. Why did you not refuse lodgings to this
youngster? Are you ignorant who he is? Do you not know him?"
"Know him?--no, I know nothing about him.
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