The little crowd seemed only half satisfied; but they gave place as, making an effort, the young man stepped out, and then in a purposeless way the search was about to begin, when there was a cheer given, for the vicar came hurrying up the street.
He looked hot and flushed, and his eyes met those of Richard Glaire so sternly that, for the moment, the young man blushed, but he recovered himself directly, to give an insolent stare in return.
“Mr Banks,” exclaimed the vicar, “this is grievous news indeed;” and ignoring the foreman’s half-distant manner, he shook his hand warmly.
“Thanky, parson,” said Joe, hoarsely.
“You are about to make a general search, of course,” he said; “but where are the police?”
“One’s gone across to station, and the other’s up at the chalk pit,” said a voice.
“First of all,” said the vicar, “did any one here see Daisy Banks after she went up the road?”
There was silence for a few moments, and then Richard said firmly:
“I saw her for a few moments up by the pit.”
“And not after?” said the vicar, fixing his eyes on the young man.