"He doesn't mention him this time. In fact, it's just a note: you can't call it a letter. He has had to leave the farm for a day or two, and wants me to send up a man to look after things in his absence."
"Has Charley gone too?" asked Hilda Ferrier.
"Yes, they've both gone, or it wouldn't be necessary to ask for a man. It's lucky Mr. Halliday is on the spot, so we shan't have to hire anybody."
"Gone shooting, I suppose," said Joe.
"Or after strayed sheep," said Oliver. "They're always a trouble."
"But I don't understand," said Hilda. "You say they have gone: why didn't John get somebody before he went?"
"That shows it's sheep," replied Oliver quickly. "He'd have to start at once or he wouldn't stand much chance of getting 'em all. That's it, isn't it, Mr. Gillespie?"
"Well, no, not exactly."
"In fact," said Mr. Halliday quietly, "the farm has been robbed, and as there are no policemen in the neighbourhood, John has had to go after the robbers himself."
"Gone shooting: I said so," remarked Joe.