‘Did you let young Heritage in through the gates or see him pass?’
‘I let him in.’
‘Was he alone?’
Marks went hot and cold. Was Bess to be dragged into this dreadful business? He had heard of the London lawyers and trials, and how all your life came out in court, and how they cross-examined you till your heart was laid bare. Was he going to be treated like this? He remembered that he had enticed the dog away, and his heart almost stood still. Why, in a court of justice he would seem to be in league with the accused! And Bess! They would make out, ten to one, that it was through her it all came about!
He stammered out something to the constable about not being quite himself.
‘You’re agitated now,’ said the constable, ‘and no wonder. It’s a nasty affair for the family. You’re an old servant, I believe? Well, I’ll come and see you to-morrow, and take a note of your evidence. Did you have any conversation with the young man when he came in?’
‘A little.’
‘All right. Well, think it over to-night, and let me know tomorrow what it was. You’ll be an important witness. Goodnight.’
Marks hardly knew how he got back to the lodge.
Once inside, he bolted the door, and fell into his old armchair a prey to the greatest agitation.