‘I didn’t realize then,’ he continued, ‘that there had been any double-crossing going on, and I took it for granted that the pocket-book would be recognized instantly. Situated as we were then, too, it was reasonable to suppose that I could not hold out against the whole gang, and it was ten chances to one that they would succeed in getting back their plans and the scheme would go forward with me powerless to do anything. Acting entirely upon the impulse of the moment, therefore, I stuffed the plans into the grate and set fire to them. That was just before I went down to speak to you in the garden. Now, of course, Dawlish won’t believe me, and if he did, I’m inclined to believe he would take his revenge upon all of us. In fact, we’re in a very nasty mess. If we get out of here we can’t get out of the house, and that Hun is capable of anything. Oh, my dear, I wish you weren’t here.’
The last words broke from him in an agony of self-reproach. Meggie nestled closer to his shoulder.
‘I’m very glad I am,’ she said. ‘If we’re in for trouble let’s go through it together. Look, we’ve been talking for hours – the dawn’s breaking. Something may turn up today. Don’t these people ever have postmen or milkmen or telegram-boys or anything?’
Abbershaw nodded.
‘I’ve thought of that,’ he said, ‘but I think everyone like that is stopped at the lodge, and anyhow today’s Sunday. Of course,’ he added brightly, ‘in a couple of days there’ll be inquiries after some of us, but it’s what von Faber may do before then that’s worrying me.’
Meggie sighed.
‘I don’t want to think,’ she said. ‘Oh, George,’ she added pitifully, ‘I’m so terribly tired.’
On the last word her head lolled heavily against his breast, and he realized with sudden surprise that she was still a child who could sleep in spite of the horror of the situation. He sat there with his back against the wall supporting her in his arms, staring out across the fast-brightening room, his eyes fixed and full of apprehension.
Gradually the room grew lighter and lighter, and the sun, pale at first, and then brilliant, poured in through the high window with that warm serenity that is somehow peculiar to a Sunday morning. Outside he heard the far-away lowing of the cattle and the lively bickering of the birds.
He must have dozed a little in spite of his disturbing thoughts, for he suddenly came to himself with a start and sat up listening intently, his ears strained, and an expression of utter bewilderment on his face.