“Hold the light, can’t you?”
“No,” said George, sitting down suddenly; “I can’t. I’m hanged if I can!”
The Sergeant was busy with the rope. Notwithstanding his ride of thirty miles, he had become active and alert. He passed a slip-noose over the stern presently, drew it tight, and tied the end securely to a stanchion.
“Now,” he said, his mind already full of business; “You’ll have to stay here and keep an eye on this while I go up town and make arrangements!”
“Me?” exclaimed George.
“Yes you! I’ll send the constable down by-and-bye.”
“How long will he be before he comes?” asked George, anxiously.
“Couple of hours at the outside; I’ve something I want him to do first——”
“Two hours!” cried George. “Here by myself, at night, with that—that—that thing tied up to the Greenwich! I wouldn’t do it for ten pounds!”
“But,” argued the Sergeant, “you must. I don’t want the town to know anything about it. I want to keep everything dark till I make a few inquiries. This is a very serious matter. There is a big case hanging to it—a big case for me!”