“Because I had left the doors unlocked against impertinent fellows coming in. I left Kate with the trap whilst I ran back. Now, are you content? Out of my house immediately. I want to lock up and go back to her.”
“This is a queer tale,” said Quarm. “I have myself but just arrived. I must have passed you on the way.”
“Not at all, if we had gone into a friend’s for a cup of tea.”
“With what friends were you?”
“I shall not stand and be catechised by you. I say, get out. I am going to lock up.”
“Now look here, Pasco, and be reasonable. I would not have returned to Coombe and left the men at Dart-meet unlooked after, had I not good news to communicate.”
“Good news?” mocked Pepperill. “The best of news would be that you were going to take yourself off.”
“I believe we shall sell the oak.”
“I have heard of that already—from Coaker.”
“Well, I tell you it is so. The authorities at Portsmouth will take it at a reasonable price, if we deliver it.”