Introduction

[notallworthy]

"-you are one of the most impudent rascals upon earth."

He had no sooner spoken these words than the ensign, together with a volley of curses, discharged a bottle full at the head of Jones, which, hitting him a little above the right temple, brought him instantly to the ground.

Tom staggered to his feet, clasping a hand to his head.  Blood was

Comments

[sweariwontdie]

"Do you need help, monsieur?"

[notallworthy]

"Thank you very much, sir. With you on one side and this good gentlman on the other," he motioned at Carstone, "I shall be like the Channel. Stuck 'twixt England and France!"

[sweariwontdie]

"If only it were that easy to pin down where the Mansion was."

[notallworthy]

Tom's brain stopped for a moment and then threw the sentence aside into its 'For Use At A Later Date' pile. Tom himself barely noticed the proceedings inside his mind and smiled rather blankly.

"What?"

[sweariwontdie]

"Are you at all well, monsieur?" Armand was a bit worried now. The young stranger seemed a bit dazed, and his head look injured.

[notallworthy]

"As well as can be expected I suppose." He extended a hand and smiled at the other man. "My name's Tom Jones, by the way."

[sweariwontdie]

Armand shook Tom's hand warmly. "I am Armand St. Just. Welcome to the Mansion."

[notallworthy]

"The mansion?"

[sweariwontdie]

"Yes. It's a large house. No known location. No known owner. Lots of empty beds. And couches." He shrugs. "Would you like to sit down, M. Jones?"

[notallworthy]

"Perhaps it would be best if I took a lie down once my wound is seen to. I fear this will take some explaining, Mr. St. Just.

[sweariwontdie]

"As you wish. I'll be glad to help where I can."

[notallworthy]

Tom was more than a bit dazed but he smiled anyway. "Thank you very much. I fear I shall need all the help I can get."

[sweariwontdie]

"You're welcome, M. Jones."