“And you know where?”
“Yes, father.”
“And you have been in the habit of visiting this desperate man?”
“Yes, father, all that is quite true.”
Brookes chuckled again with satisfaction, and rubbed his tawny brown hands as if he were washing them.
“Nic, you astound me!” cried the doctor. “You have, then, encouraged this man about the place during my absence, when I had placed confidence in you and left you in charge. Had you no respect for your mother and sisters?”
“Why, of course, father,” cried the boy indignantly. “You don’t suppose I should have done what I have, if I hadn’t felt sure Leather was innocent?”
“Hear! hear!” said a voice, and Nic looked up to see that Lady O’Hara was at the door, and now came and stood behind Sir John.
“Innocent,” cried the doctor, “and hides in the bush, and kills one of my sheep whenever he is hungry!”
“He doesn’t, father. I’m sure he wouldn’t,” cried Nic indignantly.