“Certainly not.”
“Why not?”
“Because the Seille is out of its banks, and the ditches are full of water.”
“Is not the way much shorter through the forest?”
“Yes, the way is shorter; but it would take more time. The paths are very indistinct, and overgrown with briers.”
The commonwealth attorney could hardly conceal his disappointment. Anthony’s answers seemed to become worse and worse.
“Now,” said the magistrate again, “if fire should break out at Valpinson, would you see it from here?”
“I think not, sir. There are hills and tall woods between.”
“Can you hear the Brechy bells from here?”
“When the wind is north, yes, sir.”