By that time I hope to be able to send you information, on the
strength of which you may at once sail for Harwich. Meanwhile guard
that young man as the apple of your eye. . . ."
We will return to the subject of this amiable advice. Tristram had
been kicking his heels for ten minutes or more in the draughty
passage, and wondering if he should ever know the taste of food
again, when the door opened on the landing above, and the old
gentleman in blue and silver descended the stairs from his audience.
He was clearly in something of a hurry, and strode past our hero as
if unaware of his presence, but turned on his heel at the end of the
passage and came swiftly back.
"I ask your pardon, young man," he began, in a quick, foreign voice,
"but I thought I heard his Majesty speaking to you of a Captain
Runacles as I entered the room. Forgive me if I seem too
inquisitive, but do you happen to know Captain Jeremiah Runacles?"
"I know no reason, sir, against my answering. I know him well, and
love him."
"Ha? Where does he live?"
"In Harwich."
"He keeps hale?"
"In excellent health for his age."
"Could he still answer for himself with a small-sword?--I mean not
with a young adversary, but, say, with a man of my age?"
"I have not the slightest doubt of it, sir.
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