"Does father still persist that it was he?"
"He is quite positive, and almost gets angry if one suggests that he may have been mistaken."
"Well, doctor, and what will all this lead to?" she questioned, making a strong effort to keep her voice steady.
"For the moment I fear it must lead to young Penlogan's arrest. There seems no way of escaping that. Your father's depositions will be taken as soon as Mr. Tregonning arrives. Then, of course, a warrant will be issued, and most likely Penlogan will spend to-night in the police-station—unless——" Then he paused suddenly and looked out of the window.
"Unless what, doctor?"
"Well, unless he has tried to get away somewhere. It will be dark directly, and under cover of darkness he might get a long distance."
"But that would imply that he is guilty?"
"Well—yes. I am assuming, of course, that he deliberately shot at your father."
"Which I am quite sure he did not do."
"I have the same conviction myself, and yet he made no secret of the fact that he hated your father."