“He may have crossed the water.”
“But, sir, Mrs. Pepperill had the boat.”
“True’is there no other?”
“Yes; the old boat. I did not think of that. I’ll run and see if her be in place.”
Rose left, and returned shortly, discouraged, and said’
“The old boat be moored to the landing-stage as well as the new boat. And, sir, I do not think he could have got across the water after seven by any boat. The tide was out. By nine, when it was flowing, the people were running about here because of the fire.”
“I will go and see Mrs. Pepperill.”
“May I come with you, sir? Kitty is my very dear friend.”
“Kitty?’I thought she had no friends?”
“It is only quite lately we have become friends. I would do anything for her. I am not happy. I think she ought to know what has taken place, and yet I wouldn’t frighten and make her miserable without reason. That is why I so much wish to know what is really thought about poor Mr. Quarm. It would be too dreadful if he had come by his end here, and it will break Kitty’s heart.”