When they judged the two men to be at a safe distance, Githa and Gwethyn emerged from behind the bush, and scurried away along the path as fast as the gathering dusk would permit. So anxious were they to get out of the wood, that neither spoke a word until they had reached the farther side, and, climbing the fence, found themselves once more in the fields below The Gables. "It was the Gartley children's father," exclaimed Gwethyn, taking Githa's arm, not so much for protection as for a sense of companionship in the dark. "I've always heard he's a dreadful poacher. I think he's such a hateful, insolent kind of man. I'm thankful he didn't see us." "So am I. It will serve them right if the keepers catch them." "Could you understand what they were talking about?" "You mean what they said about Grandfather and the Grange? It was most mysterious." "Gartley certainly dropped a hint about a panel." "Yes, but I couldn't make out the rest, or what he wanted Albert to help him with." "You don't think that your grandfather could have hidden some money in the panelling, and that Bob Gartley saw him do it?" "If he did, the money certainly wouldn't be there now! Considering the house has been empty for about three years, Gartley must have had every opportunity of going in and taking it, and I scarcely think he'd be restrained by conscientious scruples." "Hardly!" "No, there was something more--some secret that he didn't want to tell even to 'Albert'." "If only they hadn't gone away just at that identical minute!" groaned Gwethyn. "It was too tantalizing, when we seemed on the very point of learning something. It must be important, or he wouldn't make such a mystery of it, and talk about its being to his advantage. Do you think his wife knows, and that we could get her to tell us?" "No, she's too much afraid of him." "But if we tried bribery and corruption? He himself might perhaps be induced to part with the information." "He spoke of a 'risky job', which certainly means something dishonest. In that case I'm sure he wouldn't reveal a word." "If we were to tell the police, could they make him confess?" "No, he'd simply deny everything flatly." "Then what can we do?" "Nothing as regards him, I'm afraid. We might as well investigate at the Grange, though. Shall we get up early to-morrow, and ride over on our bikes before breakfast? I don't suppose we shall find anything, but if you like we'll go and look." "I'm your man!" responded Gwethyn eagerly.