We five can surely tackle any man living."
"What can have become of Capella?" said David Hume, when they were all
seated and bowling along the road to Beechcroft.
"It is impossible to say what such a mad ass would be up to," commented
his cousin. "He has probably gone back to London from some wayside
station, and failed to find his servant to tell him before the train moved
on."
"What do you think, Mr. Brett?" inquired Winter.
"I can form no opinion. I only wish Ooma was in gaol. For once, Winter, I
appreciate the strength of your handcuffing policy."
CHAPTER XXXII
THE FIGHT
It was almost dark by the time they reached the lodge gates. Brett, moved
by impulse, stopped the carriage in the main road. The others alighted
after him. Mrs. Crowe, the lodge-keeper's wife, opened the gates, and
evidently wondered why the carriage did not enter.
"Good evening, Mrs. Crowe," said Brett, advancing. "Have you seen a
telegraph messenger recently?"
"Lawk, sir," she cried, "I didn't recognise you in the gloom! No, sir,
there's been no messenger, only--"
Then she uttered a startled exclamation.
"Why, there's Mr. David an' Mr. Robert! I could ha' sworn one of you
gentlemen walked up to the house five minutes ago, an' I wunnered you
never took no notice of me. Well, of all the strange things!"
"It was a natural mistake," said the barrister quietly.
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