If he had left the village on foot, under cover of darkness, he might have left unseen; but he must have entered some other village at daybreak; he must sooner or later have procured some kind of conveyance; and wherever he went, carrying with him that stolen child, it was more than probable his appearance would attract attention.
After a little trouble, the astute Andrew ascertained that Mr. Maunders had certainly not left the village by any public conveyance.
It was late when Mr. Larkspur returned to the castle, after having mastered this fact. He found that Lady Eversleigh had been inquiring for him; and he was told that she had requested he might be sent to her apartments at whatever time he returned.
In obedience to this summons, he followed a servant to the room occupied by the mistress of Raynham Castle.
"Well, Mr. Larkspur," Honoria asked, eagerly, "do you bring many hope?"
"I don't exactly know about that, my lady," answered the ever-cautious Andrew; "but I think I may venture to say that things are going on pretty smoothly. I ain't wasting time, depend upon it; and I hope in a day or two I may have something encouraging to tell you."
"But you will tell me nothing yet?" murmured Honoria, with a despairing sigh.
"Not yet, my lady."
No more was said. Lady Eversleigh was obliged to be content with this small comfort.
Early the next morning Mr. Larkspur set out on his voyage of discovery to the villages within two, three, four, and five hours' walk of Raynham.