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of the men who'd watched the game said, "At least three pints, milord. And I see where you're heading. Stap me, if he didn't go to take a leak now and then."

"Did he do so after Mr. Ufton left?"

"I think he did, milord. Just for a moment."

Slowly, the other men nodded and agreed.

"And he went out of sight."

"Oh aye, milord," said one of the card players. "Mistress Wilkins don't have pissing in the tavern."

Rothgar turned back to Stringle, suppressing a contented smile. "Do you dispute this, sir?"

"No, milord," the man said stoically. He was good. "I went outside to relieve myself a time or two, but not to the stables."

"But out of sight."

"I'm a decent man, milord," Stringle said, meeting his eyes.

Rothgar quirked a brow at him, and turned to the magistrates. "I submit to you, sirs, that it was possible for Mr. Stringle to have spoken to Mr. Ufton in the stables."

"But Georgie Ufton made off with the horse, my lord," Sir Hadley protested.

"Thinking that was what Mr. Stringle wanted. After all, when stopped, he hadn't sold it."

Sir Hadley leaned back, looking sour. "If Georgie Ufton is honest, then Stringle is a perjurer, and I'll see him hang for it!"

"I've told nothing but the truth," stated Stringle, but when Rothgar turned to him he saw both anger and fear. On the hook. Now, would he come smoothly to the net?

"Perhaps," he offered, "it was a simple misunderstanding, Mr. Stringle. Perhaps you might have said something to make Mr. Ufton think you wanted him to deliver that horse?"

"I don't recollect it, my lord." But then the man added, "It's possible, I suppose. Those three pints of ale weren't the only ones."

Sir Hadley glared. "Then I'll have you whipped for a drunken reprobate!"

Rothgar turned the full power of his authority on the man. "Wiser, perhaps, to let it pass, Sir Hadley, don't you think?"

After a frustrated moment, Sir Hadley pounded his gavel. "Not guilty. Next!"

Rothgar let Sir George wring his hand, then left him to deal with his son. He turned to see the accuser struggling away through a hostile crowd.

He caught up. "Mr. Stringle."

The man turned. "You've got your young friend off, my lord. Are you after me now?"

Rothgar took his arm. "I merely mean to see you safe to your horses." Though scowling, the crowd fell back, leaving a path clear to the door.

Stringle's arm was stiff in his grasp, but he walked to the door and through it. "What now, my lord?" he asked, hard-eyed.

Rothgar let him go. "I just saved your neck."

The man stayed silent.

"I know the man you work for - rather unpatriotic, wouldn't you say? - and I suspect that this plot was aimed largely at me."

Stringle flinched, but didn't admit guilt. Yes, he was good. Rothgar wouldn't mind employing him if the man knew who was master.

"You could be of use to me, Mr. Stringle. There is a lady in London, living at the queen's court. The Countess of Arradale. I am particularly concerned that nothing happens to distress or inconvenience her."

The man looked genuinely startled. "What would I have to do with a lady of the queen's court, my lord?"

"Perhaps nothing. If you were to go to London, however, and put yourself at the disposal of the gentleman who hired you, you might be surprised."

"I'm a country horse trader, my lord. What would I do in London?"

"Oblige me."

The man paled at the tone. "I could just disappear."

"You would find it very hard to go beyond my reach."

The man's eyes met his resentfully. "I go to London and hang around a certain man's house, and let you know if anything turns up about the lady. Then what? When am I free? My trade is horses, my lord, and I'd rather stick to it."

"Wiser to have done so all along, wouldn't you say? When Lady Arradale returns to her lands in the north, you may leave London. In the meantime, if you hear anything about her, or any plans concerning her, send a message to me at Malloren House. I am also very interested in the activities of a Frenchman called de Couriac. You will be well paid, and I will do you no harm if you serve me well." He left the alternative unspoken but clear.

After a moment, the man nodded. "I'll do your will, my lord."

"I thought you might," said Rothgar, and watched as he strode off.

Chapter 23

Rothgar arrived back in London the next day with only enough time for the tedious