If Carstares had remarked that it was a fine day the man could not have shown less surprise.
"Shall we, sir?"
John looked across at him, smiling faintly.
"You'll come, Jim?"
"I would go anywhere with ye, sir."
"And what about that little girl at Fittering?"
Salter blushed and stammered hopelessly.
"My dear fellow, since when have I been blind? Did you think I did not know?"
"Why, sir—well, sir—er—yes, sir!"
"Of course I knew! Can you leave her to come with me?"