Come, jump up! Don't keep me waiting!" Doubtfully I stood in the road, the duke glaring at me with impatient anger.

Then he leaned forward and said: "You are curiously reluctant, sir, to earn your living.

I don't understand it.

I must make some inquiries about you." I detected suspicion dawning in his eyes.

He was a great man; I did not know what hindrances he might not be able to put in the way of my disappearance.