“This is interesting. We shall, of course, try to prevent any messenger reaching the King; but I do not understand why you connect the incident at the inn with your detention.”
“There was a great splore about a spy that escaped, and I have no doubt, if he saw me there, and heard the proposal made to me, he might well have brought my name and description across the Border. At least that was the way I reasoned it out with myself.”
“It is very like you are right. Spies, unfortunately, seem to be necessary when a country is in a state of war. Many unjustifiable acts are then committed, including the arresting of innocent men; but I am anxious nothing shall be done that will give just cause of offence to Scotland; a God-fearing country, and a friendly. When such injustice happens, as it has happened in your case, I try to make amend. How far south do you propose to travel?”
“I may go the length of Manchester or Birmingham. The distance and the time will depend on the state of trade.”
“If you will tell me places you intend to visit, I will include them in the pass I shall now write for you.”
“That I cannot say just at the moment. I wish to follow trade wherever it leads me.”
“Then an inclusive pass, extending as far south as Manchester, will meet your needs?”
“It will more than meet them, General,” said Armstrong with supreme indifference.
The Commander took up his pen, but paused, and, still shading his face, scrutinized the man before him.
“As I am unlikely to see you again, perhaps it would be as well not to limit it to Manchester. You may wish to travel farther south when you reach that town?”
“As you carry no message from Traquair to the King, I can write Oxford on your permit as easily as Manchester.”
“Thank you, General; but Manchester will be far enough.”
“I may say that we are strict about those whom we allow to journey to and fro at the present time, and if you should overstep the limit of this document, you are liable to investigation and delay, and I may not be so near at hand on the next occasion.”
“I quite understand, and if I wished to go farther south I would have no hesitation in begging permission of your Excellency; but I doubt if I shall even see Manchester.”
“You will not be leaving Corbiton until the morning, of course?”