"I will contrive to evade the worst. But I must have that poor woman released!"
[CHAPTER XXVII.]
A DOUBTFUL WITNESS.
His sister's attitude puzzled Mr. Cass less than might have been expected.
On leaving her he went straight to the Turnpike House to interview the gypsy.
The first thing was to get the truth out of Job; then he would try to arrive at some settlement of the question which would be satisfactory to the world, to justice, and to his conscience.
The door of the house was closed when he rode up. He dismounted, gave his horse to his groom, and told the man to take him home.
"I have to see this gypsy," he explained. "I find he is here without Mr. Heron's permission. I shall probably remain some time, and I don't want Sultan to get cold. Go home."
"Yes, sir," said the man, and then ventured to add a few words on his own account. "Shan't I wait, sir? Joe Lovel is a rough customer."
"I know," Mr. Cass said, calmly. "I am prepared for that. I shall return in an hour, more or less. If Mr. Heron should come to Hollyoaks, ask him to wait for me."