Joseph Wilmot, or, The Memoirs of a Man-Servant — page 200: what you’re looking at

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JOSEPH WILMOT; OR, THE MEMOIRS OF A MAN-SERVANT. * None,” I replied. “You therefore cannot form the least idea of whether they purposed to return into central or southern Italy? ‘You do not know whether.they intended to pay Civita Vecchia or its neighbour- hood a visit ?” “T cannot speak with any degree of certainty upon the point,” was my answer: “but still it would be singular if after going in a northward direction—which they were certainly doing when, proceeding from Florence, they began to traverse the Appenines — they should have afterwards altered their plan and taken a southerly course. Tt must however be borne in mind that their time is entirely their own—that Sir Matthew Heseltine is somewhat an eccentric character y “In this case,” interrupted the Judge, “we must not act upon surmise—we must go upon cer- tainties—and to whatsoever these certainties are we must endeavour to find a clue. You say that the name of the Earl of Eccleston was men- tioned in a sinister manner by Lanover and Dor- chester at their conference in the ruin near Mag- liano—and that from antecedent circumstances, it is quite possible this nobleman may harbour evil designs against yourself, though you cannot com- prehend wherefore he should experience any in- terest in succouring Lanover in a coercive scheme with respect to Sir Matthew Heseltine. Now, I tell you what I will do,” proceeded the Judge, after a few moments’ reflection: “I will at once take measures to ascertain whether Sir Matthew and his party are anywhere in this neighbourhood: I will adopt the same course in respect to the Earl of Eccleston; and I will order the strictest watch to be kept, so that the instant any such persons as may answer to the description of Lanover and Dorchester set foot in Civita Vecchia, the fact may be communicated tome. But I will do more—I will at once write off to many of the principal towns of Italy, to learn if possible where Sir Matthew Hesseltine and his party may be. Im a word, my dear Mr. Wilmot, everything shall be done which human foresight can suggest, and which lies in my power to accomplish, in order to unravel the sinister mystery—to baffle the ini- quitous plot which is no doubt in progress—and to carry out your aims to a successful issue.” I warmly and sincerely thanked the Judge for his kindness; and he then said, “ Under different circumstances, it would have afforded me the ut- most pleasure to receive you as a guest at my house during your residence at Civita Vecchia: but if it were known to Lanover and Dorchester that you are on terms of intimacy with me—if it were even suspected by them that you are ac- quainted with me at all—it would only excite a suspicion that their designs are more or less fa- thomed: they would in this case redouble their precautions, and thereby render it all the more difficult for us to keep a continuous watch over their proceedings. On the other hand, if our acquaintance be unsuspected, they will regard your presence in Civita Vecchia as a mere coincidence; and they will be all the more completely thrown off their guard. Rest assured that no injury shall occur to you from any deep-laid villainy on their part. Take up your quarters at a different hotel from that where Signor Kanaris is lodging ; it will not even be wise for you to be seen on in- 187 timate terms with him—as it may be known that he is intimate here. In a word, Mr. Wilmot, the utmost caution must be exercised.” I thanked the Judge for the counsel which he had thus given me, and which I faithfully pro- mised to observe. “ As a great deal of what we have been speak- ing involves private and personal matters,” pro- ceeded Signor Portici, “I presume that you do not intend to be communicative even to your new friend Constantine Kanaris; and therefore as he might possibly think it strange or feel hurt that you do not purpose to reside at the same hotel where he is staying, you had perhaps tetter leave it to me to give him a suitable hint upon the subject.” To this proposition I likewise readily assented ; and the Judge then led the way back to the drawing-room, where he had left his niece and Kanaris. In consequence of the beauty of the weather, the casements were open; and the Judge invited me to step forth upon the balcony to admire the fine view which could thence be cb- tained. He pointed out to me several villas as picturesquely situated as his own; and directing my attention to the port, he bade me observe the numerous vessels which were lying there, and which belonged to many different nations. Taking a telescope, Signor Portici examined the shipping through that medium for some minutes—and then passed it to me. “They are all trading vessels, I presume?” I said, after a brief pause. “Yes,” was the response. “We had an Austrian frigate here the other day—and I was just looking to see if she were in the anchorage still: but I find that she is gone.” “T am not a very good judge of nautical matters,” I presently said: “but it appears to me that there is a very beautiful vessel lying yonder by itself. Its hull is completely black: but there is something so graceful in its shape—there is such an elegance in its tapering masts, and such a neatness in its rigging, that even to my inex: perienced view it is distinguished from all the other vessels there.” “ Yes,” remarked the Judge: “I have myself observed that vessel of which you are speaking. It is rigged as a schooner—its masts have a pecu- liar slope, or what seamen would call a rake— and as you justly say, a very beautiful craft she is. I beheld her enter the port when she arrived about a week back; and I had intended several times to ask what she is—but I have always for- gotten to do so when in the town.” “What flag does she carry ?” I inquired. do not recognise it.” * Our friend Constantine Kanaris,’ answered the Judge, with a smile, “ would speedily tell you what flag it is: for that banner is one which his own uncle 4 * Ah, then, I comprehend!” I ejaculated : “ it is the Greek flag which this beautiful vessel bears P I certainly should not have taken her for a trader. Indeed, if she bore the English flag I should sup- pose her to be some nobleman’s or gentleman's yacht. Perhaps she belongs to the Greek Govern- ment P” “No,” answered the Judge : “for in this case she would carry a pennant—whereas you perceive she has none. Kanaris, my dear friend,” continuea ie | a A LE I I A ES 2 SR OOO) SS (CO)