"That was very thoughtful of you. But if you were, as you say, in possession of the facts, how is it that you did not contradict the horrible misstatements made by Otis up at the field?"
The vicar grew still more stony.
"I have never been made acquainted with the exact truth concerning my niece's injuries at the time of her father's death."
"Injuries?" echoed Bert. "Injuries, indeed! But I've seen her righted. She was the darling of the Dale before; she'll be its idol now! Did you hear them cheering her?"
The vicar stood amazed. "Cheering my niece?"
Hubert laughed mischievously.
"And who may you be, to have the intimate knowledge which I lack concerning this young lady?" inquired the vicar.
"Hubert Brooke, late Captain in Lacy's Brigade," laughed Bert, as he drove away.
Mr. Cooper pursued his road, in much wrath and discomfiture. His reception at Ilbersdale had affronted him, his encounter with Bert bewildered him. He remounted the bicycle which he was pushing at the time of his meeting, and rode home with what speed he might.
By the Vicarage gate two men were awaiting him—Otis and the unattractive Boer boy. Evidently they meant to speak with him.