“No, my boy, absurd!”
“I once did, sir, and he came and helped me out.”
“Oh, no,” cried the doctor; “impossible.”
“But there are some very awkward pieces of bog and peat and water-holes, sir,” said Gilmore; and as he said this Distin drew a deep breath, and took a step back from the shaded lamp.
The rector also drew a deep breath, and looked anxiously at the doctor, who stood with his brow contracted for a few moments, and then shook his head.
“He was too clever and active for that,” he cried. “No, Gilmore, that is not the solution. He is not likely to have come upon poachers? There are a great many pheasants about there?”
“No poachers would be about in the afternoon,” said the rector. “My dear Lee, I do not like to suggest so terrible a thing, but I must say, I think it is our duty to get all the help we can, and search the place armed with lanterns.”
The doctor looked at him wildly.
“Of course we’ll help. What do you say?”
“Yes,” said the doctor hoarsely. “Let us search.”