“What made you say there was something wrong?” said Magnus at last, in a hoarse voice.
“I don’t know, I can’t tell: where did those people come from? I hope no one’s ill.”
“From one of the houses near Mr Mallow’s,” said Magnus.
“I think so; I couldn’t be sure. Let’s walk back.”
They hurried back past the series of blank doors, till they were about half way along, when as they reached the Rector’s they found that a policeman had just come up, and he made them start by flashing his lantern in their faces.
“Oh, it’s you, sir,” he said to Artingale. “Were you coming back here?”
“No. Why?”
“Because you left the door open.”
“Then there is something wrong, Magnus. Here, let’s run after the cab.”
“It’s half a mile away by now,” said the other hoarsely. “You’d better see, constable.”