Osborn's face got red, but he gave Bell a haughty look.
"Anything that touches me personally is my private concern—and we are talking about the lease of the mill. I cannot make all the improvements you ask for, but perhaps something can be done. When we have studied the matter Mr. Hayes will let you know."
Bell got up and when he went out Osborn turned to Hayes. "What did the fellow mean? He said you knew!"
"It's dangerous ground and I frankly wish he'd told you to ask somebody else. However, there is some gossip—"
"Go on," said Osborn sternly. "Whom are they gossiping about?"
"Miss Osborn, since you insist."
Osborn clenched his fist and the veins rose on his forehead as he said,
"And young Askew?"
Hayes made a sign of agreement and Osborn, getting up, walked across the floor. He came back with a savage sparkle in his eyes and stood in front of Hayes.
"Tell me what you know."
With a pretense of reluctance, Hayes obeyed. He told Osborn about Grace's visit to Railton's and hinted that she had gone to find out if Kit had brought the sheep. Then he narrated their meeting in the dark near Creighton's farm and stated his grounds for imagining she had ridden down the hill on the first load of peat. Hayes was tactful and apologetic, but he made it plain that the girl was in Kit's confidence and had known his plans.