“That is readily ascertained. We have but to send to Shaldon and inquire. The boatman who took him across can be found. If he crossed the wooden bridge, then the man who takes toll will be able to say something.”
“He may have gone round the head of the estuary.”
“Not likely, if he left his cart and donkey here.”
Pepperill was unable to answer. He was a heavy-headed man, not quick at invention.
“Then,” continued the rector, “the warehouse did not catch fire of itself; someone must have fired it.”
“Of course,” said Pepperill.
“I may as well tell you,” continued Mr. Fielding, “that Mr. Bramber, the schoolmaster, came to the Cellars the evening of the fire”’
“The deuce he did!”
“Just after dusk.”
“And what brought him here, the puppy?”