"It isn't possible."
"Oh, dear no! Of course not. If you say so, it couldn't be. It seems funny though that the governor should be of a different opinion."
"What governor?"
"What governor! The governor of Lewes gaol--stupid! Considering how clever you set yourself up to be, it's queer what a lot of explanation you seem to want. The governor noticed this woman of whom Tennant speaks, and something about her goings-on struck him as being queer. I've been looking for her in Lewes all this blessed day. She's not there. But I'll find her if she's anywhere. I'm not going to have a man hung for a woman that's alive if I can help it. I'm going to make my report in the morning, and if I'm not told off to hunt her up I'll be surprised."
A ring was heard.
"Go and see what idiot that is ringing the bell. If it's any one to see me let me know who it is before you show him in."
Mrs. Holman went to see what idiot it was. She returned and reported.
"It's that American who has lost his daughter, Mr. Haines his name is."
"Confound Mr. Haines! What's he come humbugging about? Show him in. I'll make short work of Mr. Haines."
Mr. Haines was shown in, tall and thin, Yankee writ large all over him. Uninvited, he seated himself. He crossed his legs. He balanced his hat upon his knees. He looked at Mr. Holman without speaking a word. Mr. Holman, without any show of deference, looked back at him, nor was his manner when he spoke marked by a superfluity of courtesy.