Sir Charles mounted a fleet horse, and rode off at once into
Cambridgeshire. He set inquiries on foot, and learned that the boy had
been seen consorting with a tribe of gypsies. He heard, also, that
these were rather high gypsies, many of them foreigners; and that they
dealt in horses, and had a farrier; and that one or two of the girls
were handsome, and also singers.
Sir Charles telegraphed for detectives from London; wrote to the mayors
of towns; advertised, with full description and large reward, and
brought such pressure to bear upon the Egyptians, that the band begin
to fear: they consulted, and took measures for their own security; none
too soon, for, they being encamped on Grey's Common in Oxfordshire, Sir
Charles and the rural police rode into the camp and demanded young
Hopeful.
They were equal to the occasion; at first they knew nothing of the
matter, and, with injured innocence, invited a full inspection.
The invitation was accepted.
Then, all of a sudden, one of the women affected to be struck with an
idea. "It is the young gentleman who wanted to join us in
Cambridgeshire."
Then all their throats opened at once. "Yes, gentleman, there was a
lovely young gentleman wanted to come with us; but we wouldn't have
him. What could we do with him?"
Sir Charles left them under surveillance, and continued his researches,
telegraphing Lady Bassett twice every day.
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