"About as easy as a Chinese puzzle," grumbled Carnes, discontentedly. "Nevertheless, I tell you, old man, before we get much further on our way we've got to take his measure."
"I quite agree with you, and the moment the way seems clear, we must do something more."
"What's that?"
"We must explore that south road, every foot of it, for twenty miles at least."
CHAPTER XIII.
'SQUIRE BROOKHOUSE MAKES A CALL.
The first train due from the city, by which, supposing 'Squire Brookhouse's message to be promptly received, and his commission promptly executed, it would be possible for the looked-for detectives to arrive, would be due at midnight. It was a fast, through express, and arriving so late, when the busy village gossips were, or should be, peacefully sleeping, it seemed to us quite probable that they would come openly by that train.
Of course we expected them to assume disguise, or to have some plausible business in the town, quite foreign to their real errand thither; but, equally, of course we expected to be able to penetrate any disguise that might be assumed by parties known to us, or to see beneath any business subterfuge adopted by strangers.
Until midnight then we had only to wait, and employ our time profitably, if we could, which seemed hardly probable.