"Because the man is innocent."
"Innercent," shrieked Mrs. Narby shrilly, "an' me findin' the pocket-book, and Narby the razor an' key. Wot's yer torkin' of, anyhow?"
"Here!" cried Trent, impatiently, "while we chatter, the prisoner is escaping. Twenty pounds to the man who finds him."
The yokels needed no further incentive to action. They made a rush for the door, and in a few minutes the lands surrounding the village were dotted with lanterns, each carried by a man eager to earn the reward. Trent remained behind to ask questions.
"Did anyone see the prisoner?" he asked Holl.
The constable saluted sulkily.
"No, sir. You gave orders that no one was to disturb him, and locked the door yourself. That girl," he pointed to Elspeth, who was an attentive spectator, "came up to see him, and went on her knees at the very door itself, that I should let her in. I told her that I could not, and that even if I would, the door was locked."
"Did she speak through the door?"
"No, sir, but the prisoner must have heard her asking me to let her enter," returned Holl smartly; and having saluted was dismissed abruptly.
"Now then," said Trent, beckoning Elspeth to approach, "why did you wish to see the prisoner?"