'Some one has been stealing our ewes,' she said.
'And you took me for the thief,' said Rebow. 'Much obliged for the compliment. Me—the owner of Red Hall, and the man that purchased the Ray, the farm house, and the marshes and the saltings and all that thereon is for eight hundred pounds, to be taken and hanged for sheep-lifting! A likely story, Glory. You must manage better another time.'
'What brings you here?' asked Mehalah sullenly, angry with herself and with him.
'That is the question I asked of you, and you return it. I will tell you. I am out duck-shooting, but the mist lies so thick on the water, and eats into the marrow of the bones. I could see no ducks, and I was freezing in my punt; so I have come to lie with my gun on the Burnt Hill awhile till the fog clears, as it will in an hour, when I shall return.'
'Were you here yesterday night?'
'No, I was not; I was up Tottesbury creek and got a dozen pair of wild duck. Will you have some? I have a pair or two in the punt.'
'I have refused them before, and I refuse them again.'
'Why do you ask me if I were here yesternight?'
'Because then two sheep were taken. Were you here the night before?'
'No, I was then on Abbots' Hall marshes. Do you suspect me still of sheep-stealing?' he asked scoffingly.