Next came a question asked by Mr. Ogden, while the Tramp listened, holding his breath, a look of intense expectation in his eyes.
“The little gell? Oh, poor little Mariette,” said Black Bill. “I’m sorry to say she died soon after Mr. Crale handed her over to me. Fretting for her father must have did it. I know I took good enough care of her, and my old woman tended her as if she had been her own kid.”
The Tramp seemed to crumple up. He took no more interest in the rest of the proceedings. He would have gone out, but Mr. Ogden asked him to remain.
When, at last, the business was over, two constables led the gipsies away to the waiting car. Mr. Ogden was accompanied to his study by a policeman, who remained with him, and the Inspector went away in his car.
The Tramp strode quickly out across the garden. As he passed the terrace Miss Prince jumped up as if to ask a question.
“She’s dead,” said the Tramp, in a cold, dry voice, and walked quickly on.
“Why,” said David, later, “is Miss Prince crying on the terrace?”
“Don’t ask me,” said Bill. “I can’t stand crying women.”
CHAPTER XXV
THE RESCUE OF DANNY
“The deserted Grange.” The very words thrilled Nipper to the marrow. It was Bobby Brown who suggested going there. He knew about it because, once, when out with his father as he drove on his rounds in his dog-cart, Dr. Brown had pointed it out.