As he drew nearer he saw by his master’s face, not only that he was greatly fatigued, but that something serious had happened.
In a few short sentences Ned told him the events which had occurred in his absence: his visit to St. Cuthbert’s, the finding of the dogs’ bodies, and the discovery of meat which he believed to be poisoned.
“Wall tells me,” said he, “that Vernon Brander got into the place one day while I was laid up.”
Abel nodded.
“Reight enough: so he did. Got in at t’ ooper floor by t’ water boott.”
“What reason did he give?”
“Wanted to knaw heow mooch you knew. So Ah told him. He’s been going abaht loike a churchyard ghost ever since. Ah met ’un just neow on’s way oop to t’ Vicarage.”
“To the Vicarage?”
“Ay.”
“Well, I’m going up there now.”