“Yes. She will not be at rest till you return.” “I’ll go at once,” said Kate, flushing with pleasure. “When did this happen?” “Tuesday night.” “That is the night we came here. Is my father at the Cellars?” “I have not seen him. Now, Jan”’Pooke was about to speak. Rose stopped his mouth. “Leave me to speak. You are a blunderer.” “But I know he passed us going to Coombe,” said Kate. “Passed you’where?” “On the hill. We were in the linhay.” Rose held out a shawl. “Kitty, is this yours?” “Yes; it is. I lost it on my way here. Where did you find it?” “In the linhay in Furze Park. I went there with our cow, Buttercup. The calf is taken from her. There I found it.” “We turned into the field, and I remained a long time in the linhay,” said Kate. “And your uncle?” “Oh, he went back to the Cellars.” “What, by the road?” “No; by the waterside. I was tired, and the time was long, or I thought it was; so I folded my shawl to keep the prickles from my head,’there is so much furze there,’and I lay down and slept.” “I found this also,” said Rose, extending a match-box. “I don’t understand what it is.” “It is a lucifer-box. My uncle had it. He pulled a match across something, and it blazed up. I suppose he dropped it in the linhay, also, whilst getting the horse and cart out.” “What! you had horse and cart there?” “Yes.” “And your uncle went back to the Cellars?” “Yes; just before. Indeed, as we turned into the field, I heard my father go by; I heard him speak to Neddy. He always talks to the donkey as he goes along.” “You did not speak to your father?” “No. Uncle was impatient, and father was rattling along at a fine pace, and you know from that place it is all down hill to Coombe.” “Your uncle returned to the Cellars after that; you are quite sure of it?” “Yes; certain. He told me he had forgotten to lock up.” “Why did he not go by the road?” “I cannot tell’perhaps he thought the other way shortest.” “It is not that. Was he long away?” “I cannot tell. I fell asleep. Have you not anything to tell me of father? I know he went to Coombe.” “I have told you’I have not seen him.” “Where can he be?” Neither answered that question. Even into Jan’s dull brain there penetrated an idea that some mystery connected with Pasco Pepperill was involved’that it was singular that he, his wife, and niece should have all left the Cellars before the fire broke out, and that Pasco should have returned there secretly after having left. He said nothing. If he tried to think, his thoughts became entangled, and he saw nothing clearly. An uneasy feeling pervaded him, which he was unable to explain to himself. During the first part of the journey back to the Cellars, Kate talked. She sat beside Jan Pooke. Rose was behind, keeping a ready ear to hear what was said, and interfere should she deem it expedient. “Where can my father be?” asked Kitty. As no answer was given to her query, she said further’