“No,” said Distin, hoarsely; “let’s wait till he comes out.”
“All right,” replied Gilmore; and he stood in the gloom beneath the great walnut tree watching the constable go up to the porch, ring, and, after due waiting, enter, his big head, being seen soon after, plainly shown against the study shaded lamp.
“Well, constable,” said the rector; “you have news for me?”
“Yes, sir.”
“About the assailant of my poor pupil?”
“Yes, sir, and I should have been here before, only it was Magistrates’ day, and I had to go over to the town to attend a case.”
“Well, what have you found out? Do you know who the person was that assailed Mr Vane Lee?”
“Yes, sir: I’m pretty sure.”
“Not some one in this town?”
