“I don’t know,” was the answer to the abrupt query. “Only stunned, I think. Head cut with the broken glass.”
“Not killed then?” said Linnell bitterly.
“No. Such as he generally come off easily,” replied Mellersh. “What’s to be done?”
“Better send our man back for a fresh post-chaise,” said Linnell quickly. “Will you attend to Miss Denville?” he whispered. “I think I’ll take one of the horses and ride back myself for the chaise.”
“Why not let me go, Dick?”
“No,” said Linnell in sombre tones. “I’ve stopped this wretched flight. My part’s done. Mellersh, I trust to you to place her once more under her father’s charge.”
“Will not you do it?”
“I? No. I have done. We’ll send this man for the chaise, though. That scoundrel Rockley may come to again and be troublesome.”
“Lookye here, gents,” said the man who had ridden the wheeler, “we want to know who’s going to pay for this night’s job. My leg’s bad; my ’oss is dead; and the chay’s all to pieces.”
“Wait and see, my man,” said Mellersh sternly. “You will be recompensed.”