A Certain Threat (The Merriman Chronicles Book 1) Read Free

clerk.
    “ I’m vastly obliged to you Sir,” declared the other gentleman, wiping a long blade on the coat of the man on the floor and then sliding it into his walking cane with a snap.  “I’d been loosing steadily as had your friend, but could not see how they were cheating.  Allow me to introduce myself.  My name is Laurence Grahame, travelling independently to Chester as a guest of friends in that city.”
    Merriman bowed.  “Lieutenant Merriman Sir.  My friend, though I scarcely know him, is Captain Saville.”  He turned to the innkeeper who had appeared from somewhere and was wringing his hands and babbling some nonsense about villains using his respectable establishment to try and rob decent people.
    “ Pull yourself together man, for goodness sake, and throw out this wretched fellow who is bleeding all over your floor.  Then whilst we sit by the fire and discuss these events, you can collect the money scattered about the floor and give it to these gentlemen.  Then you can bring each of us a good measure of your best brandy, to my account.”
    The three of them settled down together and after the usual pleasantries the conversation turned to the subject of card cheats, general villains and highwaymen.   Coaches were frequently stopped on the more lonely stretches of road by hig hwaymen looking for easy pickings from wealthy travelers.
    “ Of course such rogues must be desperate to do what they do, for they would be hanged if caught” remarked Mr. Grahame, “although I’m sure that some of them do it for pure devilry or the thrill of adventure”.
    “ Such people are often given the choice between hanging or imprisonment or being pressed into the King’s service”, said Merriman.  “Heaven knows the navy always needs more men, though I’m not sure that those who choose the navy realise what a hard life they are in for as the punishments at sea can be harsh for any wrong doing”.
    The conversation soon became more general with Merriman and Saville finding much in common to discuss.  Grahame was more reserved though when the talk turned to politics an d the possibilities of war with France he became quite eloquent.
    The following morning, as the passengers gathered for breakfast, the doctor enquired about the shot he had heard the previous evening.  “As there was no further disturbance I judged it wiser to stay upstairs after calming my daughter who was rather alarmed.”
    “ Nonsense Father, I was not in the least alarmed.  Indeed what you did was to stop me coming down to see what was going on.”
    There was excited discussion for a few moments while the lawyer explained what had happened, but the need to fortify themselves for the continuing journey ahead caused the hum of voices to be replaced by the rattle of cutlery and the scurrying footsteps of the servants bringing more steaming dishes to the table.
    Merri man finished his meal, a modest one by the standards of the day, a naval officer’s stomach not being used to such rich fare, to find the dark eyes of Miss Simpson fixed upon him.  She was in no way embarrassed to be seen to be studying him, but having gained his attention immediately spoke.  “I am pleased that you and these other gentlemen are none the worse for your adventure of last night Lieutenant, I’m only sorry that we missed all the excitement”
    “ Little enough excitement Ma’am, it was over in a very few moments, really nothing for you to concern yourself with,” replied Merriman with a laugh.
    “ Maybe Sir, but I believe that if it were not for your actions these two gentlemen would have lost money to those fellows.”
    “ Indeed you are right Ma’am,” broke in Captain Saville, “I was losing heavily to the rogues, nearly all my allowance in fact.  If the Lieutenant here had not such sharp eyes I would be in the difficult position of asking my father for more.  He wouldn’t be pleased I assure you.”
    “ There you are then” said the young