Chapter 14
Jules Verne woke the next morning eager to see the Phileas and Rebecca. He could not believe his luck. The years he had spent writing plays and visualizing scenes in his head were paying off. He had acted his part at dinner with concern that he might give himself away; but discovered that the men accepted him at face value and never suspected a thing.
Jules had asked if they had known any information about an outlaw he had heard about in his travels along the coast. Jules described David's activities in the derogatory light they would have themselves. In return for the sympathetic attitude, his companions openly spoke about the infamous David Drummond and all the ill he had created with his interference. "He has been a thorn in the side of good landowners and government officials for years."
Mr. Ashley's grievance with Drummond had started when he had been turned in to the authorities for infractions against tenant laws. The man explained to him the ambiguities of the stated laws and how unfair they were to landlords. "You see, there was no reason at all for anyone to bring my contracts into question. I was just protecting myself against being taken advantage of," Mr. Ashley said.
Jules had also been told about the highway robbery Drummond had committed against a local magistrate. "He stole those records; a clear case of highway theft," Mr. Harrison said. "And not only that, but he used those records to present false charges. The good officer he framed was doing his duty chasing off undesirable riffraff, but Drummond convinced others with tender uneducated hearts otherwise."
"The man is constantly putting his nose where it does not belong. One day soon he will be brought to account for it." Mr. Kingston said.
All this complaining against a Queen's Secret Service agent, Jules had heard and had offered proper sympathy and outrage over. Then, late into the evening, after Mr. Kingston had left for home, Jules and the lawyer, Phillip Harris, had continued to sit together, discussing court cases. As they finished their second bottle of wine, they wound back to the misdeeds of David Drummond.
"I've heard it said when things get too rough for him, he runs to your country," Harris said.
"No." Jules said in surprised distress.
"Oh, yes." Harris said. "Drummond runs the roads of your countryside too, but do not let it worry ya, too much. Irish law has far reachin' hands." He was ragged, smiling, and rosy-cheeked from the drinks. "We have been tryin' ta find him for trial. Troublin' us is bad enough. He certainly don't need to be troublin' our friends across the channel too."
Jules had given a proper reply but thought the lawyer was sounding like a diplomat comforting a representative of state.
"I am told he may have already been caught… already. Could be brought back anytime." Harris said in a low conspiratorial whisper, while poking the tabletop with a hard finger.
"Truly," Jules said with relief and curiosity as he moved closer, sharing the lawyer's secrets. All he had to do was to lead him where he wanted.
"That is a trial I would not mind witnessing." Verne said. "I have seen trials in London and Paris. What sort of variations might there be in such a trial here, I wonder?"
"Well, for one," the lawyer said, "Drummond's trial… when it comes… can't be handled in the usual way. Believe it or not, the man has a… romantic followin'. There would… misguided followers who might try freein' him. The trial will have to be done quietly," Harris said, finger to his mouth to whisper, "Shhhh. Have ya ever been to a closed trial, Mr. Verne?"
"No," he said, intrigued.
"Well… I tell you what," the lawyer had said. "If Drummond is brought in while you are still visitin', I may take ya on as an assistant. Ye would not do much," Harris said when Jules protested his lack of experience. "It will just give ya an excuse to be there and observe. Would that interest ye?"
"Very much of interest!" Verne said without hesitation.
"Excellent. Then it is settled," the lawyer had exclaimed with a thump to the table. "Stay awhile in our fine city, sir. A chair at the proceedings is yours."
Jules had thanked his new friend for the opportunity with excitement that did not have to be faked.
Verne jumped out of bed, ready to meet the day. He was half dressed and trying to get his cravat tied when a message from Phileas arrived. He was instructed to meet him at noon and somehow buy a new set of clothing for Rebecca beforehand.
"Now, how am I supposed to do that?" Jules wondered. The owner of the Bear and Lion's wife came to his rescue. She had brought the message and offered to do his shopping for him.
A very respectable-looking blue dress with all the necessities was delivered to Fogg's room around ten in the morning. Rebecca accepted the bundle presented to her upon waking, wondering how Phileas had managed it. The innkeeper's daughter's dress had been fine as a riding habit. But Rebecca hated the idea of walking the streets in it. Phileas left the room while she changed her clothes, returning to a more presentable appearance for Verne's visit.
Jules could not contain himself as he gaped at Phileas/David when he walked into the room. But then he gushed, retelling the conversations and experiences of the previous evening. "If the men in the tavern are right, David should be here late tonight," Jules said.
"Will you be able to get close to him?" Phileas inquired.
"I think so," Verne said. "Mr. Harris has taken to me. I may get into the trial for him, too."
The Fogg's were quite impressed with his accomplishments. They were now in an excellent position for freeing David. They knew where he would be, nearly when he would arrive, and would have someone on the inside that could help them get in and out.
Phileas later had second thoughts. It just… seemed a bit too easy. He did not like it when fate was this kind to him. But he kept his forebodings to himself. Verne was very pleased with himself and had a right to be.
No need to make him nervous, too.
