Old Aaron Rockharrt mused for a few minutes and then replied:
"There is no such thing as divination, or soothsaying, or prophesy, or fortune telling in this world. It is all coarse imposture, that can deceive only the weakest mortals. You know that, of course, Ryland. It follows, then, that this old woman could have had no knowledge of what was going to happen unless she was in league with conspirators who had planned to kidnap or murder the governor-elect."
"But, sir, if Old Scythia had been in league with any conspirators, would she have betrayed them—beforehand?"
"No; unless she was too crazy to keep their secret. But—she may have got wind of their plots in some way without their knowledge."
"Yes, sir," said Manager Ryland, who agreed to every opinion advanced by his chief.
"Well, then, I shall go down to Rockhold to-morrow, and investigate this matter for myself. In my capacity of justice of the peace I shall issue a warrant to have that woman brought before me on a charge of vagrancy, and then I shall examine her on this point. But, Ryland, you are to be careful not to drop even a hint of my intention."
"Of course I will not, sir," replied the manager, and then, as there seemed no more to do or say, he took his leave.
Old Aaron Rockharrt strode into the drawing room where his wife and granddaughter sat, and astonished them by saying:
"Pack up your things this afternoon. We leave for Rockland by the first train to-morrow morning."
He deigned no explanation, but turned and stalked off.