The two men were closeted for half an hour, and then the captain came out again. He returned to the market-place; and as he gave the order to stack arms he saw a fair-haired woman making great haste beyond the Piece Hall.
Cicely had done the six miles to Wadsworth and back in less than two hours. She found Matthew Moon striding up and down his dining-room with his watch in his hand. He had flung the door open and cried, “Well?” hearing the brushing of her skirts in the passage.
“I’ve been—let me sit down——” she panted.
“Where have ye found?”
“Oh, I saw all manner o’ folk; I went——”
Matthew Moon stamped angrily. “Where have ye found?”
“Oh!... the parson’s....”
He was surprised; but, “When?” he demanded.
“Yes—yes—anytime——”
Already the merchant had sprung towards the door and disappeared. Presently he returned, mopping his brow, and sat down opposite Cicely. He gave a long “Ah!” of relief.