“And the waterman, too?” queries another. “It appears that Captain Ryecroft came to the ball in a boat. Does anyone know who was his boatman?”
“A fellow named Wingate” is the answer given by young Shenstone. “He lives by the roadside, up the river, near Bugg’s Ferry.”
“Possibly he may be here, outside,” says Sir George. “Go see!” This to one of the policemen at the door, who hurries off. Almost immediately to return—told by the people that Jack Wingate is not among them.
“That’s strange, too!” remarks one of the magistrates. “Both should be brought hither at once—if they don’t choose to come willingly.”
“Oh!” exclaims Sir George, “they’ll come willingly,” no doubt. Let a policeman be despatched for “Wingate. As for Captain Ryecroft, don’t you think gentlemen, it would be only politeness to summon him in a different way. Suppose I write a note requesting his presence, with explanations?”
“That will be better,” say several assenting.
This note is written, and a groom gallops off with it; while a policeman on foot makes his way to the cottage of the Widow Wingate.
Nothing new transpires in their absence; but on their return—both arriving about the same time—the agitation is intense. For both come back unaccompanied; the groom bringing the report that Captain Ryecroft is no longer at the hotel—had left it on the day before by the first train for London!
The policeman’s tale is, that Jack Wingate went off on the same day, and about the same early hour; not by rail to London, but in his boat, down the river to the Bristol Channel!
Within less than a hour after a police officer is despatched to Chepstow, and further if need be; while the detective, with one of the gentlemen accompanying, takes the next train for the metropolis.