“Of course you have, father,” said Phillip, eagerly. “Surely he couldn’t have been such a wretch as to——”
“Steady, my friends, steady,” said Captain Jack, coolly. “Don’t be in any flurry, either of ye, but answer me. Did he call at old Bertram’s? Did you order him to call there, and collect your debt?”
“Yes you did, father. I heard you tell him to do so in my hearing, when last I saw you.”
“I know I did, my son; but when you had gone I altered my mind, and sent Bolton in quite a different direction. He was not within fifty miles of Four Ash Farm, I’ll swear; that is, unless he went there unknown to me, and contrary to my orders.”
A heavy sigh escaped from Phillip’s lips, and he felt a cold sweat upon his guilty brow, as he said,
“I know you told him; but if you countermanded the order, of course that’s a different thing. It’s an awful charge to be accused of is murder.”
“Yes, ain’t it?” said Captain Jack, with a wicked grin playing around his large mouth. “And robbery, too. Have neither of ye heard of it afore? Not a syllable?”
“Never dreamed of such an abominable affair,” said Phillip.
“Lor! how strange! and just to think as how this job has been in my hands more than a fortnight, and all the country knows it; but is this Mr. Bolton in your offices now?”
“He is.”