"Mr. Henfrey is innocent," said the tall stranger. "But there must be no publicity, hence his only chance of safety lies in strict concealment."
"It is difficult to conceal oneself in England," replied Hugh.
The stranger laughed, as he slowly answered: "There are certain places where no questions are asked--if you know where to look for them. But first, I am very interested to know how you got over here."
"I went to Ostend, and for twenty pounds induced a Belgian fisherman to put me ashore at night near Caister, in Norfolk. I went to London at once, only to discover that Miss Ranscomb was at Blairglas--and here I am. But I assure you it was an adventurous crossing, for the weather was terrible--a gale blew nearly the whole time."
"You are here, it is true, Mr. Henfrey. But you mustn't remain here," the stranger declared. "Though I refuse to give you my name, I will nevertheless try to render you further assistance. Go back to London by the next train you can get, and then call upon Mrs. Mason, who lives at a house called 'Heathcote,' in Abingdon Road, Kensington. She is a friend of mine, and I will advise her by telegram that she will have a visitor. Take apartments at her house, and remain there in strict seclusion. Will you remember the address--shall I write it down?"
"Thanks very much indeed," Hugh replied. "I shall remember it. Mrs. Mason, 'Heathcote,' Abingdon Road, Kensington."
"That's it. Get there as soon as ever you can," urged the stranger. "Recollect that your enemies are still in active search of you."
Hugh looked his mysterious friend full in the face.
"Look here!" he said, in a firm, hard voice. "Are you known as Il Passero?"
"Pardon me," answered the stranger. "I refuse to satisfy your curiosity as to who I may be. I am your friend--that is all that concerns you."
"But the famous Passero--The Sparrow--is my unknown friend," he said, "and I have a suspicion that you and he are identical!"
"I have a motive in not disclosing my identity," was the man's reply in a curious tone. "Get to Mrs. Mason's as quickly as you can. Perhaps one day soon we may meet again. Till then, I wish both of you the best of luck. Au revoir!"
And, raising his hat, he turned abruptly, and, leaving them, set off up the high road which led to Perth.
"But, listen, sir--one moment!" cried Hugh, as he turned away.
Nevertheless the stranger heeded not, and a few seconds later his figure was lost in the shadow of the high hedgerow.