“Why did he not go by the road?”
“I cannot tell’perhaps he thought the other way shortest.”
“It is not that. Was he long away?”
“I cannot tell. I fell asleep. Have you not anything to tell me of father? I know he went to Coombe.”
“I have told you’I have not seen him.”
“Where can he be?”
Neither answered that question.
Even into Jan’s dull brain there penetrated an idea that some mystery connected with Pasco Pepperill was involved’that it was singular that he, his wife, and niece should have all left the Cellars before the fire broke out, and that Pasco should have returned there secretly after having left. He said nothing. If he tried to think, his thoughts became entangled, and he saw nothing clearly. An uneasy feeling pervaded him, which he was unable to explain to himself.
During the first part of the journey back to the Cellars, Kate talked. She sat beside Jan Pooke. Rose was behind, keeping a ready ear to hear what was said, and interfere should she deem it expedient.
“Where can my father be?” asked Kitty.