Edgestone was about fifteen miles from Cirencester, and no railways went near it. Fred Rayburn hired a wagonette, and at about twelve o'clock they set out.
[CHAPTER XII.]
FRANK'S MESSAGE REACHES "MUDDIE."
AS the Rayburns drove out of town, a gentleman in a small trap passed them, and just where the road to Edgestone joins the main road, they overtook him. Something had gone wrong with his harness. Fred Rayburn called out—
"Can we help you in any way, sir?"
And the other replied, "Thank you, but I've got it all right now."
Jumping into the trap, he drove on, soon passing the heavier vehicle again. As he did so, he took off his hat to the occupants.
Little thought the Rayburns that this pleasant-looking man could have told them about their boys very easily. As little thought Dr. Wentworth, as he wondered what was bringing a trio of strangers to quiet Edgestone, that they came to clear up the story that had baffled him so long, and to rob him of his adopted son. Had he seen Fred Rayburn nearer, or had an opportunity of conversing with him, the likeness both to young Fred and to his cherished photograph would have struck him; but a magnificent dark beard had altered the elder Fred a good deal, and the likeness escaped the doctor's notice. He was soon out of sight.