“I found this also,” said Rose, extending a match-box. “I don’t understand what it is.”
“It is a lucifer-box. My uncle had it. He pulled a match across something, and it blazed up. I suppose he dropped it in the linhay, also, whilst getting the horse and cart out.”
“What! you had horse and cart there?”
“Yes.”
“And your uncle went back to the Cellars?”
“Yes; just before. Indeed, as we turned into the field, I heard my father go by; I heard him speak to Neddy. He always talks to the donkey as he goes along.”
“You did not speak to your father?”
“No. Uncle was impatient, and father was rattling along at a fine pace, and you know from that place it is all down hill to Coombe.”
“Your uncle returned to the Cellars after that; you are quite sure of it?”
“Yes; certain. He told me he had forgotten to lock up.”