"And I was the first," said Golding. "It's wonderful how you schemed to get me out of Dorchester, Master Gilbert."
"And it's marvellous how you manage to make this hut a home that one is glad to get back to, Golding."
"Maybe we'll get back to Lenfield presently, Master Gilbert, and you'll then shudder at the thought of what you had to put up with here."
"It will be some time before there will be safety for me at Lenfield," said Crosby.
"And meanwhile a hare's no such bad fare, if the preparing and cooking of it does present some difficulties in a place like this," said Golding as he replenished his master's plate.
Crosby had eaten little in the last twenty-four hours, and was silent for some time.
"Thirty-eight is something, but it's a drop in the ocean," he said presently. "I wish I could open the prison doors in Dorchester before the assizes commence. There'll be murder enough done there in a few days, Golding."
"That is beyond your power, Master Gilbert," and the old man said it as if he feared his master would make the attempt.
"Yes, I am powerless. I wonder what became of that girl, Golding."
"Do you mean Harriet Payne?"