A diversion of interest was caused by the arrival of the surgeon. He examined the young man, and pronounced that, though he was not dead, he was so injured that he could not live beyond an hour.
The last heap of fallen chimney-ruin had been cleared away, and Mrs. Kite had not been found.
“She has been spirited away,” said the men. “We always knew she was a wise woman.”
“I wouldn’t have had this happen,” growled Macduff, “not for ten pounds—I mean, two pounds ten. What a handle this will give to the enemy!”
[1]. As already said, this is an actual case. The magistrates’ order was issued in February 1887, and has been defied to present date, September 1889.
CHAPTER XXV.
BAMBOOZLED.
Lord Lamerton was that day engaged in distributing prizes at a ploughing match, about fifteen miles away from Orleigh.
“My dear,” said he to his wife before he started, “for goodness’ sake come with me into the avenue, and give me the heads of what I am to say.”
Report had it that his lordship got all his speeches from his wife, and report was not far wrong in so saying.