'No; there are all sorts of rumours, of course, but none of them very reliable. It's a pity, too,' added George, reflectively, 'for if I had only been a little earlier in leaving Mother Jael I might have heard the shot and captured the murderer.'
'What do you mean, Captain Pendle?' cried Miss Whichello, with a start.
'Why, didn't I tell you? No, of course I didn't; it was Mab I told.'
'What did you tell her?' questioned the old lady, with some impatience.
'That I was on Southberry Heath last night.'
'What were you doing there?'
'Seeing after that gipsy ring for Mab,' explained George, pulling his moustache. 'I bought it of Mother Jael, and had to ride out to the camp to make the bargain. As I am going back into harness to-day, there wasn't much time to lose, so I went off last night after dinner, between eight and nine o'clock, and the old jade kept me so long fixing up the business that I didn't reach home until eleven. By Jove! I got a jolly ducking; looked like an insane river god dripping with wet.'
'Did you see anything of the murder, Captain Pendle?'
'No; didn't even hear the shot, though that wasn't to be wondered at, considering the row made by rain and thunder.'