Then I heard Maurice's voice. "It's a most extraordinary thing," he was saying. "The punt was tied up to the island, according to George, and yet there wasn't a sign of him anywhere."
I smiled softly.
"I hope to God he hasn't fallen into the creek," said York's voice anxiously. "We'd better all turn out, hadn't we, and have a good hunt, before we tell the women?"
"That will be best," said Maurice. "I really am uncommonly anxious about him."
I stepped in quietly over the threshold. "In that case, Maurice," I said, "let me hasten to relieve your feelings."
CHAPTER XVI
I don't think I shall ever forget Maurice's face! His cheeks went the colour of grey ash, and for several seconds he stared at me with a sort of incredulous horror. If I had any remaining doubt as to his guilt, it was certainly settled in that dramatic interval.
At last, with a great effort, he recovered himself sufficiently to give a sickly laugh.
"By Jove, you gave us a start, Stuart!" he said. "We were just wondering whether you'd fallen into the creek."