“I was afraid for my post, sir. Had the company sent me off, I was done for. Then my luck began to turn. I patented an invention, a manufacturer was interested. The thing began to go, and now we have started a workshop——”
“You are not rash,” said Jasper dryly. “When you no longer wanted your post, you resolved to vindicate your pal! Have you informed the shipyard manager that Kit is innocent?”
“When I get to Glasgow I’ll write a letter,” Blake replied with some embarrassment. “I thought I’d first see you and find out where Kit was.”
Jasper knitted his brows. Blake obviously thought him Alan, but Alan must not meet the fellow. For a time he would sooner the others did not know Kit was vindicated. Jasper was sorry for Mrs. Blake; the car’s hood was broken and she had not proper clothes. For all that, he must let her go.
“You must write to Mr. Colvin; but you had better state you have informed me,” he said to Blake. “I doubt if you can cross the moors, but there is an inn not far aff.”
“We must get back to the main road; we telegraphed for a room at a Carlisle hotel.”
“It will be some time before you get to Carlisle, and Mrs. Blake will need food,” said Jasper.
Mabel ate some sandwiches and forced one or two on Blake, and then Jasper let them go. When they started he went back to the drawing-room.
“The fellow was an engineer and his wife was with him,” he said to Mrs. Carson. “I gave them some wine and sandwiches.”
“Of course,” said Mrs. Carson. “Since he did not stop for the storm, I expect his business was important.”