“Yes, that was one of the first places where the police went. We all thought of the gipsies, and the caves were searched most thoroughly. I’m afraid there’s not much hope in that direction, Kalliopé.”
“Lord, would you like to find the Lord Harold?”
“Like to find him? What are you thinking about? Of course I should!” cried Armitage indignantly.
“Well, lord, if you would like to discover him yourself, and with your own hands restore him to the Lady Zoe, will you go out shooting to-morrow, taking my cousin Sotīri as guide, and saying that you will be away all night?”
“Your cousin? I didn’t know you had one here. Who is he?”
“He is a very good boy, lord, who can walk far over the mountains. He will carry your gun and food, and show you good sport. Also he will guide you to where the Lord Harold is hidden.”
“Kalliopé!” said Armitage, grievously disappointed, “is it possible that you have known where he is all this time? If so, come with me at once to the Lady Zoe, and restore him to her yourself. You can’t think that I want the credit instead of you—especially at the price of two more days’ unhappiness for her. But no, I can’t believe you lied to me the other day.”
“No, lord, I spoke the truth, though you alone believed me. And I have known nothing till to-day, nor do I indeed know now. But I guess. If a great force of police went to the place, the people might kill the child or carry him farther away, but seeing only a Milordo and a boy, they will feel no fear. I will tell my cousin Sotīri all that I think, so that he may lead you. And if the child is not there, then the blame is mine and I am deceived. But if he is there——”
“If there’s a chance of his being there, it’s worth trying. When are we to start, and what is there to shoot?”
“You must start about mid-day, lord. Holy Vasili! I know not what there is to shoot. Wolves? bears?”