As he was passing out with the documents in his hand he came suddenly upon Captain Otway and the Lieutenant, both in uniform.
The Captain nodded in a friendly way and passed on; but Eaton stopped.
“One moment, Mr Bayle,” he said rather huskily. “I want you to answer a question.”
Bayle bowed, and then met his eyes calmly, and without a line in his countenance to betoken agitation.
“I—I want you to tell me—in confidence, Mr Bayle—why Mrs Hallam and her daughter have come out here?”
“I am not at liberty, Lieutenant Eaton, to explain to a stranger Mrs Hallam’s private affairs.”
“Then will you tell me this? Why have you come here to-day? But I can see. Those are passes to allow you to go beyond the convict lines?”
“They are,” said Bayle.
“That will do, sir,” said the young man with his lip quivering; and hurrying on he rejoined Captain Otway, who was standing awaiting his coming in the doorway, in front of which a sentry was passing up and down.
Bayle went back to the hotel, where Mrs Hallam was watching impatiently, and Julia with her, both dressed for going out.