"I found that out myself. No; Lestrange is innocent."
"If I'd know'd he wos on his way here to make trouble with missy, I'd have waited," said the sailor; "but I thought if I dropped across him I'd keep him off."
"He stole a march on you, Joe. And you have been at Southampton all this time?"
"I have, sir--there and in London. But it's all right now, Mr. Alan. He won't worry Miss Sophy any more. But now you know, sir, why I gave a sov. to that tramp. He talked about one as sent him, and I thought he wos talking of Captain Jean, so I hurried him away as soon as I could, lest Miss Sophy should hear."
"I understand, Joe. But Cicero knew nothing at that time."
"Ah!" Joe clenched his fist. "He's another as needs a beating. Beg pardon, sir, but I suppose you ain't found out who killed the doctor?"
"No; I believe myself it was that man Brown, who was called the Quiet Gentleman. Do you know who he was, Joe?"
"No, sir, I do not," replied Joe doggedly. "Good-night, Mr. Alan," and he walked off in great haste.
The young Squire pursued his way to the Abbey Farm, and all the way wondered if Joe's sudden departure hinted at an unwillingness to talk of Brown.
"I'll ask him about the man to-morrow," muttered Alan.