“Am I to speak plainly, sir?” said the detective in a low voice.
“Yes; let me know the worst.”
“I’m afraid it is, sir. We have made no examination yet.”
He did not finish all he had to say aloud, but whispered in the old man’s ear. Uncle Luke made an effort to be firm, but he shuddered and turned to Leslie.
“Up to the King’s Arms,” he said huskily; and taking Leslie’s arm, the old man walked slowly towards the water-side inn; but they had not gone half way before they encountered George Vine coming hastily down.
Uncle Luke’s whole manner changed.
“Where are you going?” he cried, half angrily.
His brother merely pointed to the boat.
“How did you know? Who told you?” he said harshly.
“No one,” was the calm reply. “Luke, do you suppose I could rest without watching for what I knew must come?”