We will now leave these two dauntless tenderpads, making their way towards a deserted grange four miles away, and return to what was happening at the Hall.
CHAPTER XXIV
BLACK BILL IS QUESTIONED
The next to wake was Bill. He also wondered what was up, and waking David, made inquiries. It was jolly hard to make head or tail of his twin’s story, and Bill wondered if he was by accident telling his dream, instead of yesterday’s adventure. But as Hugh seemed to have had the same dream, this could not be the case.
Dressing quickly the boys decided to go down and look for the Mysterious Tramp, who had promised Mr. Ogden that he would remain at the Hall. Walking noiselessly on the thick carpet which covered the stairs, the boys heard Mr. Ogden’s voice in the hall, and stopped.
“The old chap’s up early,” said Bill. “It is only just eight. I wonder what’s up.”
“Hullo, hullo! Is that 846?” said Mr. Ogden’s voice.
“He’s ’phoning,” whispered David.
“Hullo! Will you please take an important message for Inspector Grey?”
A long message followed, all about Inspector Grey coming himself as soon as possible, with some constables.
Then Mr. Ogden retired to his study and locked the door.