To capture the robbers was the wish of everyone assembled at Oakfield on that eventful night.
With the first streaks of dawn the party congregated in the yard, and took counsel on the best means of pursuit.
“If they have been carrying a body with them they can’t be very far off,” said Mr. Jamblin.
“They are lurking about somewhere hard by, I dare say,” said the police-officer.
“Where’s Jarvis?” cried Will, the carter. “He’d be the boy to find ’em for us. He’d ketch ’em if they burrowed underground like a rabbit.”
“Would he?” ejaculated the policeman. “He must be a clever chap.”
“Aye, that he be,” returned another rustic.
“Have you got any more of his sort in this neighbourhood?” asked the officer.
The rustics made no reply.
“Who is this Jarvis you were speaking of?” inquired John Ashbrook.