Carrington laughed cynically. "And for that reason I was able to slip out of the front door and leave it unlocked without exciting suspicion," he remarked. "It was easy to get away."
"Very easy," assented Mr. Leigh. "The front door was never locked either by day or by night, as I did not fear burglars. And I did not fear you, Mr. Carrington, as you said that Rupert had told you about the will, and you wished to speak to me concerning it."
"Oh, you were brave enough," retorted the barrister carelessly. "Well?"
"I think you had better be less flippant, my man," cried Mallien, highly indignant. "You are not out of the woods yet."
"There's gratitude for what I have done for you," sneered Carrington. "But for my appearance at the window the vicar might have burned the will so as to allow Hendle to keep the property."
"Yes, I might have burnt the will, as you say," remarked Leigh with another queer smile; "and perhaps it would have been as well, seeing what an excellent Squire our young friend here makes."
"And what about me?" asked Mallien indignantly.
"You are not fit to govern the parish," said Leigh coolly. "You think of self and of self only."
"Well, the will is safe in my desk now," said Mallien complacently, "and, self or no self, I will be Squire of Barship as soon as the lawyers can arrange for the transfer of the property."
"You count your chickens before they are hatched, Mr. Mallien. There is much to be said before you step into your cousin's place."