“I know that. I wouldn’t think of it, if I were you, Ger. No use!”
“What has Martin said?” Gervase demanded, watching him under knit brows. “Where is Martin?”
“That’s more than I can tell!” said the Viscount, with a short laugh.
“What do you mean?”
The Viscount hesitated, and then said: “Listen, Ger! If I know anything of the matter, it’s already all over the county that Martin tried to murder you! Martin ain’t here!” He looked up, saw the startled look in the Earl’s eyes, and said: “Hasn’t been seen since he went off yesterday, saying he would try for a shot at those kestrels. That’s why your stepmother wanted to see the doctor! True, she swooned when she saw you carried in, but it wasn’t that which upset her.”
“Oh, my God!” Gervase said sharply. “Go on! Tell me the whole!”
“Don’t think I should, dear boy!” said Ulverston regarding him in some alarm. “Ought to be quiet, y’know!”
“You’ll tell me the whole, or I’ll get up out of this bed!”
“No, no, don’t do that! It’s only this, Ger! — his gun has been found. Shot-belt, too.”
“Who? — Where?”