Maori welcomed them under the firs, capering heavily and putting himself very much in the way, but with the best intentions. Summers came to the verandah and greeted Chris with warmth.
'Eli, but ye're pale, lassie,' he said, having drawn her into the light.
'Take her in,' whispered Harry; 'she's quite worn out.'
'Will ye no come in yersel'?'
'No, no, thanks. Come back here, Mr. Summers; I want to speak to you.'
Summers led the girl into the house and returned after a few moments.
'What's happened tae the girl? She's not herself at all,' he said.
'Her father's been taken.'
'Ay, have they got him? Weel, 'twas sure to be.'
''Twas she who hid him, but he went light-headed with some sickness, an' the police came down on him. She feels it awfully, poor girl, being alone in a way.'