to the butcher’s in the village, tell them I gave you permission,” Rupert said, smiling at their camaraderie.
“Thank you, my lord, very decent of you,” Cooper said saluting, before heading to the kitchens to eat his supper.
O’Neill and Johnson came in separately about half an hour to report. O’Neill had gone west and Johnson east. O’Neill had not found any trace of Maurice. However, Johnson had more to say.
“I found where he’d been staying, and I checked out the rooms he’d rented. Not in an inn, but in a lodging house. The landlady, who was a real slattern, swore blind that he had taken the rooms for two weeks, but had skipped out without paying. I examined the rooms. I’ve stayed in worse hovels, but not much. He left a pair of breeches behind, rolled up behind the bed.” Johnson displayed the torn, bloodied breeches with a hole that matched the piece of material Rufus had ripped out.
“She said he was limping but had dressed like a gentleman and was in a real rage. I thought she would be correct about his rage as her own language was as bad as the lowest trooper at him not paying his full tab. I asked around, and some folks had seen him with another man, a former prize-fighter, known locally as Crusher Murray. This Crusher was out of town too and the drab he lives off, and I assume pimps out, did not know where to or for how long. She had some fresh bruises, but I think she was telling the truth. So, I know he stayed in Frome and has found a heavy villain to help him, but the trail went cold. Sorry, my lord.”
“You did well, it does not sound like he has slunk back off to London to lick his wounds then. That’s a pity. He was boasting about buying up my debts and offering to buy the estate, so it seems strange that he was living in such a dive and not paying his shot. I was wondering whether I should contact Bow Street about him, but did not think about it when I spoke to your brother. Thanks for your help, Johnson,” Rupert said.
After the men had reported, Rupert and the Major shared a decanter of brandy while the Major told him stories from the peninsula campaign.
“Do you think there is a chance of getting the treasure down tomorrow? There is a small cart in the carriage shed that I think they use to transfer hay and straw from the home farm to feed the horses,” Rupert asked.
“If it does not snow again over night, I think we will manage. I think I will head for bed then maybe we can proceed after breakfast tomorrow.
The following morning was again clear and no more snow had fallen in the night. Rupert headed down for breakfast and ate with only the Major. Then they wrapped up warm and headed for the carriage shed. Johnson, Cooper and O’Neill, flanked Rupert, all of them visibly armed. The cart if basic seemed solid enough for the purpose.
“I think it is strong enough and should serve the purpose,” Major William said.
John Cutler appeared and asked if he could help.
“Yes, could you harness up the cart for us to use, please?” Rupert asked.
“At once, my lord, I will fetch Gramps,” the groom replied.
“Gramps?” Rupert asked.
“Name of our cart-horse, my lord. I think it is because he is a grumpy old curmudgeon. Reminded old Amos, who was head groom before me of his grandfather I gather,” John Cutler said, tugging his forelock.
He headed off and returned with a smallish pied cart horse, who seemed obedient enough but had a disgruntled look on his long face. The men laughed because he did look like a cantankerous old man, although he seemed to move well enough. He did try to kick out once as he was put in the traces, but then seemed to gloomily settle down.
“Do you want to ride or sit on the bench while I drive, my lord,” Major William asked.
“Ride, I think, and we need some old blankets or an oilcloth to cover the chests and some rope to secure them safely,” Rupert replied.
“I’ll saddle Nimrod for you, my lord, shall I?” John Cutler suggested.
“Yes please, thank you, John.”
The men had already saddled two horses and O’Neill and Johnson mounted them. John led out Nimrod and Rupert vaulted aboard his large black stallion.
“Major, if I might have a word before you leave?”