The Traitor’s Mark Read Online Free Page B

an exclusive clientele. We buy precious items from customers in need of ready cash. We smelt gold and silver and either refashion it or sell it to the royal treasurer for minting into coin. An increasing part of our business in recent years has been lending against security to trusted clients. My father had a saying, ‘Kings come and go but gold is always sovereign’. It was he who acquired the prestigious property at the sign of the Swan in Goldsmith’s Row, West Cheapside, which accommodated both the workshop and spacious living accommodation. I took over the business – unprepared and unwilling – at the age of twenty-three. Unwilling, not because I disliked my trade, but because I only acquired it by my father’s death. Then within months I lost my wife in childbirth. These calamities drove me to the pit. How I drew back and regained my wits is a long story. With the aid of friends and a loyal workforce I tookcontrol of myself and of Treviots. Once more the business was one of the most successful in the City. I could not, would not, risk damaging Treviots’ good name.
    I sent for Adie and questioned her further.
    â€˜We must find your master urgently,’ I said. ‘Do you know any of his friends who might have some idea where he has gone?’
    She looked thoughtful. ‘There was always foreigners coming to the house.’
    â€˜Foreigners?’
    â€˜Yes, Sir, you know ... men that spoke Master Johannes’ language ... from the German House.’
    â€˜German House? Do you mean the Steelyard?’
    â€˜That’s right, Sir.’ Her face brightened. ‘The Steelyard, down by Cosin Lane.’
    â€˜Thank you, Adie. That’s very helpful.’ I realised I should have thought of it myself. It was only natural that Master Johannes would have friends among his own compatriots in the German merchant community. The Steelyard was their staple, their centre of operations. There they stored their goods for import and export and had their offices. ‘Is there anyone special he knows there?’ I asked.
    Again the girl’s face donned a frown of concentration. ‘There is one who comes more often ... a merry little man, full of jokes. He likes to play with the children. He always brings them sweetmeats and toys.’
    â€˜His name?’I prompted.
    â€˜Well, ’tis the same as the master’s – Johannes.’
    â€˜Just Johannes? ’Tis a common enough name among the Germans. You know no more about him?’
    She shrugged. ‘’Tis hard to understand all they say. They speak funny, don’t they? Master did talk about him sometimes. Now what was it he called him ... Johannes ... Fonant ... something like that? Sorry, that’s not much help, is it?’
    â€˜Well, ’tis a start,’ I said. ‘I’ll go down to the German wharf tomorrow and see if I can find out any more. There must be several men there who know your master.’
    â€˜Do you think anything’s happened to him, Master Treviot? I can’t stop thinking about poor George. Those men were looking for Master Johannes. If they find him ...’
    â€˜You must not think the worst, Adie. Whoever these murderous rakehells are, they haven’t found your master. We must pray they don’t.’
    â€˜Do you think he knows about them?’ Her dark eyes searched mine, seeking reassurance. ‘Perhaps that’s why he went away – hiding. Oh, Jesus Mary, what am I to tell the boys?’
    â€˜That their father is away on business – which is probably the truth,’ I said firmly. ‘What you must not do is think the worst. They would soon sense that something was wrong. You go on looking after them as usual and leave me to discover what I can about their father.’
    *
    It was mid-morning of the following day that I rode along Thames Street past the imposing walls bounding the premises of the Hanseatic League’s