"Trust me to help a sound tale along.

'T were a clumsy business to come here asking for you, sir.

Ye'll know now how to account for my visit." Lionel paid him the price agreed and dismissed him upon receiving the assurance that the Swallow would put to sea upon the next tide.
When it became known that Sir Oliver had been in treaty with Master Leigh for a passage overseas, and that it was but on that account that Master Leigh had tarried in that haven, even Nicholas began to doubt.
Gradually Lionel recovered his tranquillity as the days flowed on.

What was done was done, and, in any case, being now beyond recall, there was no profit in repining.

He never knew how fortune aided him, as fortune will sometimes aid a villain.