On a semi-circular stone bench that backed the roadside hedge Isabel sat and hugged her knees and here a few moments later she was joined by Flora.
"He's a topper, your man," said Flora. "A downright first rater."
Isabel grinned an acknowledgment.
"Did he have any trouble in getting away?"
"Awful, I believe, but—but they had a plan which he said would make it easy."
On the road side of the hedge, barely three feet away, a clergyman, who apparently was seeking protection from the sun, moved sharply and cocked a listening ear.
"What plan?"
"He didn't tell me that and anyhow I shouldn't be allowed to repeat it."
The listening clergyman looked disappointed.
"Do you know what he was going after?"