Page 711 of 896

"Mr. Barsad has been recognised by Miss Pross as the affectionate

brother you have heard of," said Sydney, "and has acknowledged

the relationship. I pass to worse news. Darnay has been arrested

again."

Struck with consternation, the old gentleman exclaimed, "What do

you tell me! I left him safe and free within these two hours, and

am about to return to him!"

"Arrested for all that. When was it done, Mr. Barsad?"

"Just now, if at all."

"Mr. Barsad is the best authority possible, sir," said Sydney,

"and I have it from Mr. Barsad's communication to a friend and

brother Sheep over a bottle of wine, that the arrest has taken

place. He left the messengers at the gate, and saw them admitted

by the porter. There is no earthly doubt that he is retaken."

Mr. Lorry's business eye read in the speaker's face that it was

loss of time to dwell upon the point. Confused, but sensible that

something might depend on his presence of mind, he commanded

himself, and was silently attentive.