Just then the woman spoke.
“Bennie’s late,” she said. “Supper’s most ready.”
“He’s havin’ a look round,” answered the man, “against to-night.”
“What’s the old chap’s name?” continued the woman.
“Chelwood,” said the man. “He’s a JP.”
“What’s that?”
“A bloke wot sits in court and sends yer to prison,” answered the man.
Mary listened with all her ears and her eyes starting with horror. Here was some dreadful plot—they were going to murder Squire Chelwood, perhaps! Should she run at once and give the alarm, or wait to hear more? While she hesitated the woman spoke again.
“I suppose it’s best to begin there?”
“There’s nowhere else, not to speak of,” answered the man, “’cept the parson’s.”