As he was thus engaged his eyes fell upon the pale, ghastly face of his victim, which was turned upwards towards the sky.
Fearful lest he should be discovered by some chance traveller, he arose to his feet, and ran off as fast as his legs would carry him.
He soon reached a place known as Larch Green. At one part of this was a stagnant pool of water.
He knelt down beside this, and washed his ensanguined hands.
While thus occupied, he saw the figure of a man approaching. He was some distance off, but he could see that the stranger’s attention was directed towards him.
The murderer flew in the opposite direction over several meadows, never pausing till he felt assured that he was far removed from the scene of death.
Then, panting and groaning, he crept into a dense thicket of trees.
After waiting here a considerable time, with his heart knocking against his ribs, ha emerged from his hiding-place, and fled precipitately, he knew not nor cared not whither.
But during his flight he had attracted the attention of another observer.
Henry Adolphus, the earl’s footman, had been sent by his master with a message to a landholder and a baronet.