All further remarks were interrupted by bustle and confusion.
Mrs. Gaunt had fainted dead away.
[CHAPTER VIII]
Of course pity was the first feeling; but, by the time Mrs. Gaunt revived, her fainting, so soon after Mr. Atkins's proposal, had produced a sinister effect on the minds of all present; and every face showed it, except the wary Houseman's.
On her retiring, it broke out first in murmurs, then in plain words.
As for Mr. Atkins, he now showed the moderation of an able man who feels he has a strong cause.
He merely said, "I think there should be constables about, in case of an escape being attempted; but I agree with Mr. Houseman, that your worships will be quite justified in taking bail, provided the corpus delicti should not be found. Gentlemen, you were most of you neighbors and friends of the deceased, and are, I am sure, lovers of justice: I do entreat you to aid me in searching that piece of water, by the side of which the deceased gentleman was heard to cry for help; and, much I fear, he cried in vain."
The persons thus appealed to entered into the matter with all the ardor of just men, whose curiosity as well as justice is inflamed.
A set of old rusty drags was found on the premises: and men went punting up and down the mere, and dragged it.