“It ain’t a lady!” said Mr Peabody urgently. “He’s a desperate criminal dressed up for an abigail! No lady couldn’t fight like him!”
“I tell you she is Sir Hugh Thane’s sister!” said Sir Tristram. “Look, is this a man’s face?” He turned as he spoke, and put back the hood from Miss Thane’s head.
The Runners peered at her doubtfully. “When my brother hears of this, you will be sorry!” said Miss Thane in a tearful voice.
A look of deep foreboding stole into Mr Stubbs’s watering eyes. “If we’ve made a mistake—” he began uncertainly.
“It’s my belief it’s a plot, and they’re both in it!” declared Mr Peabody.
“Take me to my brother!” begged Miss Thane, clinging to Sir Tristram’s arm. “I fear I may be going to swoon!”
Mr Stubbs looked at her over the handkerchief which he was holding to his nose. Also he looked at Sir Tristram, and rather unwisely accused him of having assaulted an officer of the Law.
“Oh, you’re law officers, are you?” said Sir Tristram grimly “Then you may come and explain yourselves to Sir Hugh Thane. Can you walk, ma’am, or shall I carry you?”
Miss Thane declined this offer, though in a failing voice, and accepted instead the support of his arm. The whole party began to walk slowly towards the Red Lion, Sir Tristram solicitously guiding Miss Thane’s tottering steps, and Mr Peabody leading Sir Tristram’s horse.
They entered the inn by the door into the coffee-room, and here they were met by Eustacie, who, upon sight of Miss Thane, gave a dramatic start, and cried: “ Bon Dieu! What has happened? Sarah, you are ill!”