There were lights in the lower rooms up at the hall, and the servants were now hurrying about.
With a cry of terror, Marks ran, as well as his aged limbs would let him, up to the house.
A fearful suspicion flashed across his mind.
George had seen his father. There had been a quarrel, and——
He dared not shape his thoughts into words.
Terrified and trembling, he arrived at the hall.
‘What is it?’ he gasped to the old housekeeper, who was on the landing wringing her hands.
‘Thieves and murder’s the matter!’ she screamed. ‘Some villain’s half murdered the master, and carried off all the jewellery and goodness knows what.’
The whole village was gradually aroused by the news of the burglary and the attack on the squire, and every part of the estate was searched for traces of the culprits.
Presently there was a great noise heard as of a crowd coming nearer and nearer.