"Hush!" cautioned George. "His ears are sharp."
Very still they remained until he was at a safe distance, and then they went through the gate. Almost beyond their view a tall man was pacing slowly along in the direction of Trevlyn Farm, whirling an umbrella round and round in his hand.
"Just as I thought," was George's comment to himself.
"Who is it, George?"
"That stranger who is visiting at the parsonage."
"He seemed to be quarrelling with Mr. Chattaway."
"I don't know. Their voices were loud. I wonder if Rupert has found his way to the Farm?"
"Octave forbade him to go."
"Were I Ru I should break through her trammels at any rate, and show myself a man," remarked George. "He may have done so to-night."
They turned in at the garden-gate, and reached the porch. All signs of the stranger had disappeared, and sounds of merriment came from within.