“But you did not come in?”
“No—I saw—one of the family.”
“And then? Still you did not come in?”
“No, I walked back a mile or so to wait—and then hearing that you were here, and Mrs. Campbell—I returned.”
“Why did you not come in?”
“I really cannot tell you the reason,” said Gordon, a little irritated. “There was no particular reason.”
Said the doctor, perceiving where Glendochart’s questions were tending: “It will be far better for you to tell the truth. It might be an accident, but denial will do no good.”
“Am I accused of anything?” said the stranger in great surprise.
“A stranger about the place at such a time is very suspicious,” said the doctor, shaking his head. “The best thing you could do, Glendochart, would be to detain him till the sheriff comes.”
Drumcarro raised his head from his supporting hands. His habitual redness had changed to grey. He spoke with some difficulty moistening his lips. He said, “Whatever ye may be thinking of, this lad’s tale’s true. I saw him come, and I saw him go. If there’s any man to blame it’s not him.”