Fuller gave him what he wanted, and a little more whisky and water to bring back his strength. Then he turned his attention to Sorley, and wondered what was best to be done. “You will have to surrender yourself and stand your trial, you know,” said Alan firmly, “things can’t go on in this silly way, Mr. Sorley.”
The old man pitched forward, sobbing at Alan’s feet, while Jotty, who was now top-dog, grinned delightedly at his enemy’s downfall. Fuller stooped to pick up the wretched creature, and to repeat his determination when he heard Dick rushing down the stairs shouting his name.
“Alan! Alan Where are you?”
“In the library. Come in. What’s up?”
Latimer burst into the room with dishevelled hair and untidy clothes, just as he had leaped out of bed, and evidently was greatly excited. He was on the eve of imparting the cause of his hurried coming, when he stopped short on beholding Sorley and the missing lad. “Well I’m hanged!” said Dick, and gasped with amazement.
“I shall be, I shall be,” groaned Sorley still grovelling on the floor, “if Louisa has her way. And you hate me, Latimer, you know you do. You will give me up after all my trouble in coming back to hide here.”
“Oh so you did hide here,” said Latimer slowly, “and Jotty?”
“He lock’ me up, cuss him!” whimpered the boy, “’cos I wouldn’t tell him things es I ain’t agoin’ to tell, nohow.”
“What re——” began Dick wonderingly, when Alan cut him short.
“You’ll hear later, old man. Meanwhile what’s up, that you rush in like a whirlwind?”