"Upstairs?—the bed—airing—"
"The girl? Has she made any noise yet? Is she conscious?"
"Not as I know of. I went up and listened, and never a sound. Deary me, deary me! I'm that fearsome—"
"Go up again, and put your ear to the door."
"I'm afeart she'll never come round, and her in that way, and weak, too, and—"
At that instant there came from the dark road the sound of carriage-wheels approaching. Hugh Ritson thrust the landlady out of the room, slammed the door to, and locked it.
"What's that?" said Drayton, in a husky whisper. "Who do they want? You've not rounded on a fellow, eh?"
"It's the carriage that is to take you and the lady to Kentish Town," said Hugh. "Hush! Listen!"
The driver rapped at the door with the end of his whip, and shouted from his seat: "Heigho, heigho—ready for Kentish Town? Eleven o'clock struck this half hour!" Then he could be heard beating his crossed arms under his armpits to warm his hands.
"The fool!" muttered Hugh, "can't he keep his tongue in his mouth?"