“Was met by the red-headed man, Bob.”
“Pre-cisely, sir. Which man seemed in mighty per-tub-ation about somewhat or other, whereupon Sturton takes him into the Bull yonder. And soon arter, sir, out they came from the yard and both of ’em mounted, and away at a gallop. Which seems strange.”
“Hum!” exclaimed Sir John. “Did they ride towards Alfriston?”
“Aye, your honour.”
“About how long ago?”
“Eggs-ackly eighteen and a half minutes, sir.”
“You did not follow ’em?”
“Your honour’s orders were to call for you at——”
“Aye, very true, Bob!... Eighteen minutes!”
Sir John reined in his horse and sat as if deeply pondering, while the Corporal watched him, serenely patient.