This seemed to enliven the surly fellow’s faculties, and he took the money and rubbed his head as he began to unfasten the gate.
“Well, how long?” cried the Colonel.
“Long? Well a good bit ago, sir.”
“Yes, yes, but what do you mean by a good bit?”
“Mebbe two hours—mebbe hour and a half. I’ve been asleep since.”
“Come along,” cried the Colonel, who was as excited now as his companions. “There’s nothing more to be got from this lout.”
They left the man leaning on the gate, having gained nothing whatever by the colloquy but a short breathing space for their horses, and these continued their gallop the moment they were through.
They passed a side road now and then, and at the first Linnell turned in his saddle.
“Is it likely that they will leave the main road?” he said.
“No,” was the prompt answer given by Bell, without waiting for the Colonel to speak. “They’re going west—far enough, I dare say—and they must change their horses now and then. We shall hear of them at Cheldon.”