“Johnnie Exton be here,” exclaimed one of the crowd.
The villagers made way for John, who approached Agatha. The young man was dishevelled and his khaki was scorched and stained by smoke. Out of a grimy face his eyes sparkled brilliantly.
“Where have you been, John?” asked Agatha.
“Helping up at the Hall.”
“Helping?” repeated Lady Selina.
“I did what a one-armed man could, my lady.”
“Of course you did,” said Agatha. “No one who knows you,” she added defiantly, “would question that.”
Lady Selina, bent upon conducting the inquiry in her own way, said sharply:
“Where were you, sergeant, when the fire broke out?”
“I was in the park.”