Jan was not. Jan only laughed. He believed there must be something in the moonlight that deceived the people, and that Mr. Bourne had caught the infection from the rest.
"Should it prove to be a trick that any one is playing," resumed the clergyman, "I shall—"
"Hollo!" cried Jan. "What's this? Another ghost?"
They had nearly stumbled over something lying on the ground. A woman, dressed in some light material. Jan stooped.
"It's Alice Hook!" he cried.
The spot was that at which Mr. Bourne had seen her sitting. The empty bottle for medicine in her hand told him that she had not gone upon her errand. She was insensible and cold.
"She has fainted," remarked Jan. "Lend a hand, will you, sir?"
Between them they got her on the bench, and the stirring revived her. She sighed once or twice, and opened her eyes.
"Alice, girl, what is it? How were you taken ill?" asked the vicar.
She looked up at him; she looked at Jan. Then she turned her eyes in an opposite direction, glanced fearfully round, as if searching for some sight that she dreaded; shuddered, and relapsed into insensibility.