“That is saying a good deal! And I begin to think he will not come this evening, as he would perhaps hear that your balloon had come down here. I believe, candidly, gentlemen, that every word you have said must have some foundation; but I am very vexed to suppose that I have been deceived in this man, for I took him for a great and successful financier. However, we can enter into these points by-and-by, as I daresay there are many friends and neighbours in the park by this time. Mr Falcon may be in their midst, for all I know.”
“He is more likely to be in ambush not far off,” said the aeronaut.
“Indeed! you speak, my friends, with such an air of confidence, that I shall not hesitate to suggest that we start down at once and inquire if anything has been seen or heard of him. Someone is knocking, I think,” added the squire. “Oh, Lucy, come in. What’s the matter?”
“If you please, sir, Miss Dove says that, as the young lady is not very well, she would like to remain with her a little longer, but she wishes that the gentlemen should not delay their captive ascents, although there will be moonlight early this evening. And Miss Dove wishes you to read this short telegram, sir—just received.”
“Very well, Lucy, then we will go down to the park at once, and say I hope the lady will soon be herself again.”
After Lucy had left the room, the squire read the short note.
“It is merely a hoax, I should say,” added the squire, “but judge for yourselves. This is what it says,—
“‘Miss Dove is warned to be careful how she walks about Wedwell Park and other parts for the next few days, without she has someone with her.
“‘S. W.’
“There is no signature attached,” added the squire, “beyond the initials S. W.; they do not amount to much. S. W. might be Sam Watson, an officious neighbour.”