“Yes,” faintly, “I do.”
“I’ve got to go away from Ben-a-Chielt tonight. I can’t tell you why. You’ve got to go straight to Kilmorack House now. You rode over. Take the short cut by Horsham Hill. It’s not so well known. I would go with you but I haven’t a moment to spare. Don’t trust anyone—not even the maids at the house. Go back to London tomorrow with Jack Sandys and don’t let him leave you until you’re safe at Ashwater Park. Where’s your horse?”
She told him and followed blindly.
“Where are you going, Cyril?” she pleaded.
“It doesn’t matter.”
He found the horse and untied the bridle.
“Tell me, Cyril. I’ve earned the right to know.”
“Something has happened,” he said quietly, “which has put all my plans in danger——”
“And you?”
“Yes. The thing I’ve been trying to do may fail. It hangs or falls by this issue.”