"Now, then, quick!" cried Bell. "How long is it since a chaise and four passed?" "Chaise and four?" said the man surlily. "Yes, chaise and four. Has a chaise and four passed?" "What, to-night?" "Yes, to-night. Answer; quick, or--" He caught the man by the collar, and the evasion he was about to utter did not pass his lips. "Yes," he growled; "one went by." "How long ago?" said the Colonel. "How long?" "Yes, yes. Quick, man, quick! and here's a crown for the toll. Keep the change." This seemed to enliven the surly fellow's faculties, and he took the money and rubbed his head as he began to unfasten the gate. "Well, how long?" cried the Colonel. "Long? Well a good bit ago, sir." "Yes, yes, but what do you mean by a good bit?" "Mebbe two hours--mebbe hour and a half. I've been asleep since." "Come along," cried the Colonel, who was as excited now as his companions. "There's nothing more to be got from this lout." They left the man leaning on the gate, having gained nothing whatever by the colloquy but a short breathing space for their horses, and these continued their gallop the moment they were through. They passed a side road now and then, and at the first Linnell turned in his saddle. "Is it likely that they will leave the main road?" he said. "No," was the prompt answer given by Bell, without waiting for the Colonel to speak. "They're going west--far enough, I dare say--and they must change their horses now and then. We shall hear of them at Cheldon." Bell was right, for, when, at the end of another quarter of an hour, they cantered into the little post town, there was a light still burning in a lantern in the inn yard, and an ostler proved to be a little more communicative. Yes, a post-chaise--a yellow one--came in half an hour ago, and changed horses and went on. Their horses were all in a muck sweat, and here was one of the boys. A postboy came out of the tap, and stood staring. He knew nothing, he said, only that he and his mate had brought a party from Saltinville. "A lady and gentleman?" said Linnell sharply. "I d'know," said the postboy. "I didn't ride the wheeler; I was on one of the leaders." "But you must have seen?" cried Linnell angrily. "No; I didn't see nothing. I'd enough to do to look after my horses. Bad road and precious hilly 'bout here, sir." "Come along," cried Linnell angrily. "Walk your horses for a few minutes," said Mellersh quietly; and as Linnell and Bell went on he dismounted and thrust his hand into his pocket. "Just tighten these girths for me a little, will you, my man?" he said, turning to the postboy, and slipping a guinea into his hand. "Cert'ny, sir. Get a bit slack they do after a few miles canter. Steady, my lad. Nice horse, sir, that he is," continued the postboy, who was smooth civility itself. "Must be a pleasure to ride him."