One reason, perhaps, of his success in this case might be, that having arrested his associate in the dark transaction, Sir Rowland Trenchard, on a charge of high treason, he was favoured by Walpole, who found his account in retaining such an agent.

Be this as it may, Jonathan remained the victor; and shortly afterwards,--at the price of a third of his estate, it was whispered,--he procured Trenchard's liberation from confinement." At the mention of the latter occurrence, a dark cloud gathered upon the stranger's brow.
"Do you know anything further of Sir Rowland ?" he asked.
"Nothing more than this," answered Kneebone,--"that after the failure of his projects, and the downfall of his party, he retired to his seat, Ashton Hall, near Manchester, and has remained there ever since, entirely secluded from the world." The stranger was for a moment lost in reflection.
"And now, Sir," he said, preparing to take his departure, "will you add to the obligation already conferred by informing me where I can meet with Mr.Wood ?" "With pleasure," replied the woollen-draper.

"He lives at Dollis Hill, a beautiful spot near Willesden, about four or five miles from town, where he has taken a farm.

If you ride out there, and the place is well worth a visit, for the magnificent view it commands of some of the finest country in the neighbourhood of London,--you are certain to meet with him.

I saw him yesterday, and he told me he shouldn't stir from home for a week to come.