"Did White say the changer of the cheque was a tall man?" asked Mr. Ashley.
"Yes," said Mr. Dare. "Whether he meant as tall as William Halliburton, I cannot say. There are not—why, I should think there are not a hundred men in the town who come up to that height," he added, looking at William.
"Yourself one of them," said William, turning to him with a smile.
Mr. Dare shook his head, a regret for his past youth crossing his heart. "Ay, once. I am beginning to grow downward now."
Mr. Ashley was buried in reflection. There was a curious sound of mystery about the tale altogether, to his ears. That there were many thieves in Helstonleigh, he did not doubt—people who would appropriate a cheque, or anything else that came in their way; but why the same person—if it was the same—should pace the cold field at night, watching Samuel Lynn's house, was inexplicable. "It may not be the same," he observed aloud. "Shall you watch for the man again?" he asked of Mr. Lynn.
"I shall not give myself much trouble over it now," was the reply. "While I was concerned to ascertain William's truthfulness——"
"I scarcely think you need have doubted it, Mr. Lynn," interrupted William.
"True. I have never doubted thee yet. But it appeared to be thy word against the sight of my own eyes. The master will understand——"
A most extraordinary interruption came from Sergeant Delves. He threw up his head with a start, and gave vent to a shrill, prolonged whistle. "It looks dark!" cried he.
"What didst thee say, friend Delves?"