“Well, what is it, man? Don’t keep us in suspense.”
“Seems like news to say as he arn’t been nowheres near Lenby.”
“Can you form any idea of where he is likely to have gone?”
Bruff looked in his hat and pulled the lining out a little way, and peered under that as if expecting to find some information there, but ended by shaking his head and looking in a puzzled fashion at the doctor.
“Come with me,” said the latter, and turning to Aunt Hannah, he whispered: “Go and wait patiently, my dear. I don’t suppose there is anything serious the matter. I daresay there is a simple explanation of the absence if we could find it; but I feel bound to try and find him, if I can, to-night.”
“But how long will you be?”
“One hour,” said the doctor, glancing at his watch. “If I am not back then you will have a message from me in that time, so that you will be kept acquainted with all I know.”
“Please, sir, couldn’t we come and help?” said cook eagerly. “Me and ’Liza’s good walkers.”
“Thank you,” said the doctor; “the best help you can render is to sit up and wait, ready to attend to your mistress.”
He turned to Aunt Hannah who could not trust herself to speak, but pressed his hand as he passed out into the dark night, followed by Bruff.