“But suppose we do not hear?”
“That is to suppose that he did not go out with the gun to poach, but upon some other expedition.”
“What else could the boy have gone out for?” said Rushbrook, hastily.
“Very true; it is not very likely that he went out to commit murder,” replied the pedagogue.
At the word “murder” Rushbrook started from his chair; but, recollecting himself, he sat down again.
“No, no, Joey commit murder!” cried he. “Ha, ha, ha—no, no, Joey is no murderer.”
“I should suspect not. Well, Master Rushbrook, I will dismiss my scholars this morning, and make every inquiry for you. Byres will be able to ascertain very soon, for he knows the new keeper at the manor house.”
“Byres help you, did you say? No, no, Byres never will,” replied Rushbrook, solemnly.
“And why not, my friend?”
“Why,” replied Rushbrook, recollecting himself, “he has not been over cordial with me lately.”