“Should we be in time if we found him now?” exclaimed Sir Philip.
“What, to get back to the church?” said Mr Bray, nervously referring to his watch. “I fear not, I fear not.”
“How unfortunate!” exclaimed Sir Philip; and then he relapsed into silence, save when at intervals he spoke to the coachman, who kept the well-bred pair of horses at a brisk gallop.
“Stop here,” cried Sir Philip, as they neared a roadside inn, where a wagon and half a dozen labourers were standing, ready enough to stare at the rapidly-approaching vehicle.
“Carriage and four go by here a few minutes ago?” cried Sir Philip to the landlord, who now came bustling out.
“No, sir; not by here.”
“Are you sure?” exclaimed Sir Philip, with a perplexed air.
“Sure, sir? O yes, sir, quite sure,” said the landlord, “or must have seen it. We see everything that goes by here, sir.—Haven’t seen a four-horse coach go by, have you, lads?” he continued, addressing the wagoners.
“No, no,” cried Sir Philip. “A chariot with four horses and postillions—post-boys in bluejackets?”
“No, sir—no, sir—not come by here!” was chorused.