"Why, Carrick," he cried with a premonitive feeling of some new evil, "what brings you here?"
"Been huntin' for you for nearly three hours, sir. I could not bide there, sir, till I 'ad seen you."
Carter, dismounting, took the bridle rein over his arm and walked alongside the Cockney, who in detail recited the story of a meeting of Josef and Johann in the wood, which, unseen by them, he had watched, and which in every detail corroborated the recital of Johann and the surmises of Sobieska.
"What do you think of it, sir?" he concluded.
Carter shook his head gravely.
"I can't say, Carrick. Keep your eyes and ears open, but do not say a word to any one but me of this or anything else you happen to notice about Josef. There's some game going on that I have not fathomed yet.
"Tod Carrick," he continued in a burst of affectionate consideration, "you're a good faithful soul. Here's my hand. I do not believe you have had a mouthful to eat to-day. Now, have you?"
The Cockney smiled.
"I forgot, sir," he answered almost shyly, elated with the words of approval he had won.