Meanwhile Mr. Caryll had gone up with considerable misgivings. The last letter he had received from Sir Richard - that day at Stretton House - had been to apprise him that his adoptive father was on the point of leaving town but that he would be returned within the week. The business that had taken him had been again concerned with Atterbury the obstinate. Upon another vain endeavor to dissuade the bishop from a scheme his king did not approve had Sir Richard journeyed to Rochester. He had had his pains for nothing. Atterbury had kept him there, entertaining him, and seeking in his turn to engulf the agent in the business that was toward - business which was ultimately to suck down Atterbury and his associates. Sir Richard, however, was very firm. And when at last he left Rochester to return to town and his adoptive son, a coolness marked the parting of those two adherents of the Stuart dynasty.

Returned to London - whence his absence had been marked with alarm by Mr. Green - Sir Richard had sent a message to Mr. Caryll, and the latter made haste to answer it in person.