But the constable saw the advantage of the proposal, and gave the order. In ten minutes the scene of the conflagration was freed from sightseers, who were confined at a distance.
Then Bramber went to Kitty and said in a low tone, “You do not think it is hopeless, I trust?”
“I do not know what to think,” she answered.
“Is it true what I have heard, that your uncle returned here after dark and left you at the top of the hill?”
Kate did not answer.
“That is what is said. Jan Pooke told me he had heard it from your own lips.”
She continued silent.
“I should like to know, Kitty, the truth in this matter.”
“I can say nothing,” she answered, and hung her head lower.
Bramber was surprised, but he had not time to expend in conversation: he had undertaken to keep off the crowd, and some were diving under the rope, others attempting to stride over it.