“I’ll go,” said Gilmore quickly.
“Yes, you,” said the doctor, “go and tell my wife to have Vane’s bed ready. Say we have found him hurt, but not very badly.”
“Why not take him to the rectory?” said Mr Syme. “It is nearer.”
“Thank you, but I’ll have him at home,” said the doctor.
“One moment, gentlemen,” said the first constable, book in hand. “I want to know exactly where he was found.”
“Here, man, here,” cried the doctor. “Now then, lift him carefully, and keep step. If I say stop, lower him directly.”
“Yes, sir; go on,” said the constable. “We must have a look round before we come away. P’r’aps you’d stop along with us, Mr Churchwarden, sir, and maybe one of you young gents would stay,” he continued, addressing Distin.
“Me—me stay!” said the lad starting, and flushing to his brow.
“Yes, sir. Young gents’ eyes are sharp and see things sometimes.”
“Yes, Distin, my dear boy,” said the rector, “stop with them. You are going to search?”