“I fear it is too true!” exclaimed the squire, who dropped into a chair and seemed quite overcome.
“My dearest father!” cried Edith Dove, “don’t look so broken-hearted. Have courage! We may yet recover the property. Don’t you think so, Mr Goodall?” as she looked over at the aeronaut with a smile which would have nerved anyone to hope and action.
“Do pray cheer up, sir,” said Harry, “and let us consult as to what is best to be done.”
Edith then sat down at her father’s feet, and after some discussion, Goodall suggested that they should wire forthwith to Lewes and Newhaven?
“Yes, a bright thought! Come with me, brother Goodall, to the post-office. I feel a better man already from what you have offered to do. Order the carriage,” he said, turning to Bennet; “we can go on to Lewes after telegraphing.”
“Your carriage is already at the door, squire,” said the gamekeeper.
“Good, for there is not a moment to be lost. Be sure, Bennet, you do not say a word about this to Doctor Peters, or anybody else for the present.”
“You may rely upon me, squire, in that respect.”
“Shouldn’t we be able to detain Warner at Lewes,” asked Harry Goodall, “if we hurried on without stopping?”
“Capital thought,” said the squire. “We will do so, and press on at once.”