“Not if you have had the sense to hide him in the cellar,” replied Sir Tristram.
“We have done so, but he went under protest, and I think won’t remain there long,” said Miss Thane.
“He can take his choice of remaining there or being shipped out of the country,” said Sir Tristram briefly. “That Basil went actually to the length of attempting to kill Ludovic with his own hand convinces me that that one-time butler of his knows something.”
“You have not found him yet?”
“No. He seems quite to have disappeared. If Basil knows his whereabouts and seeks him out I shall hear of it, however. I have been at pains to see young Kettering and have instructed him to keep me posted in the Beau’s movements. Depend upon it, if Basil sees that butler, so shall I.”
They walked on up the lane, quickening their steps as the sky became once more overcast, with a threat of rain to come. Sir Hugh discovered that they had been out more than an hour, promised Shield a glass of very tolerable Madeira at the Red Lion, and, with another appraising look over the hunter’s points, inquired whether he had any notion of selling the horse.
“None,” replied Shield. “It is not in my power.”
“How is that?” demanded Sir Hugh.
“He is not mine,” said Shield. “He belonged to my great-uncle, and—provided we can reinstate the boy—is now Ludovic’s property.”
“Well, I’ve taken a strong liking to him,” said Sir Hugh. “He looks to be well up to my weight. It seems to me that the sooner young Lavenham takes possession of his inheritance the better. I’ll speak to him about it as soon as I get back to the inn.”