"Some would tell you that one was enough even for so vast a city and realm as this!" "Because," continued Tom, "I was charged with a message for one Lord Claud, and I marvel that it can be your worshipful self, for he that sent it was a strange man to speak of himself as your master." A laugh shone in the dark blue eyes of the other.
"In sooth I call no man my master," he answered lightly; "but tell me the name of him who sent this message, and I shall know if it be for me or not." "He called himself Captain Jack," answered Tom, "and I met with him betwixt my home in Essex and this city.

He was dwelling in the heart of the great Forest of Epping." Upon Lord Claud's face there had come a look of vivid interest and pleasure; yet he laid a finger upon his lips, as though to caution Tom, who, indeed, had spoken in a tone too low to be heard by any one else.
"Any news of or from Captain Jack is right welcome in mine ears," he said; "but this is not the time or place in which to speak of such things.

Come tomorrow morning early to my lodgings in the Mall--any man will direct you to them--and there we will speak at ease.

Forget not--tomorrow morning by ten o' the clock, ere my levee has begun.

I shall expect you.