“I’ve no doubt you will,” he answered with a half smile.
“My friends,” said the hermit with calm dignity, “as it appears that some of you suspect me of this dastardly deed, I am quite willing to submit to any restraint you may desire till the groundlessness of the charge appears. You may leave a guard here in the cave or I will accompany you to any of your own houses. I certainly have no desire to escape while such suspicions are entertained.”
Robert indignantly protested against such a step, but the hermit stayed his words.
“Robert,” he said, “it is better. It will do me no harm, and, under the circumstances, while the matter is involved in mystery, I admit that it is perfectly justifiable and proper. My friends, I am in your hands. What will you do with me?”
Mrs. Scott expressed her opinion that he should be strung up immediately, but no one seconded her.
It was decided that two of the fishermen should remain at the cave that night to prevent any attempt at escape on the part of the hermit.
The body of the murdered fisherman was carried to his own cabin and properly cared for till the coroner, who must be brought from a neighboring town, should make his appearance.
CHAPTER XX
MR. JONES MAKES A CALL