"Can they be going right away?" thought John Maine hopefully, till he recollected a low, poacher-haunted public-house about a mile beyond the chalk pit, and rightly set that down as their destination. He turned back with a sigh, to see Tom Podmore leaning thoughtfully against one of the houses, and going up, the two young men engaged in conversation for a few minutes, each rigorously abstaining from all mention of the other's love affairs, and soon after they parted, for John Maine to seek his sleepless pillow. Volume 2, Chapter IX. LOST. There was no newspaper in Dumford, only those which came from Ramford and Lindum, but news flew quite fast enough without, and by breakfast-time on the morning of the day following the events spoken of in the past chapter, it was known that Daisy Banks had not been home all night. Joe Banks himself spread the news by going and making inquiries in all directions directly he was up. For, on waking about half-past five, according to his regular custom, and jumping out of bed to dress and go into his garden, as he had no work, he found to his astonishment that his wife had not been to bed; and she now came to him, crying bitterly, to say that she had been sitting up all night waiting for Daisy. "Why didn't you tell me?" he roared. "I wanted to screen her, Joe," moaned Mrs Banks. "I thought you'd be so popped with the poor girl; and though I didn't like her goings on, I didn't want her to be scolded." "What time did she go out?" said Joe, trying to recall the past night. "About eight, and I expected her back every minute after ten." "Here, give me my hat," cried Joe; and he was off to the main street, where, in answer to inquiries, he found that Daisy had been seen in the High Street soon after eight. "What's wrong?" said Tom Podmore, coming out of his house. "Daisy! hev you seen my Daisy?" said Joe, furiously. "Yes, I see her go up the street last night at about eight," said Tom, "as if going up the hill by the chalk pit." "Did you folly her?" "No," said Tom, sadly; "I never folly her now. But what's it mean-- isn't she at home?" "No," said Joe, sharply. "She's not been at home all night. Wheer can she be?" "Better ask Master Dick Glaire," said Tom, uttering a groan. "He can tell ye." "Howd thee tongue, thee silly fool," cried Joe, angrily. "How should he know owt about where she is? Here, come along. I'll soon show thee thou'rt wrong." He led the way to the Big House, where one of the maids was just opening the shutters; and, on being beckoned to, she came to the door. "Where's Master Richard?" said Joe. "Fast asleep in bed," said the girl. "Art sure?" said Joe. "Yes, certain," said the girl. "Was he out last night?" "Yes," said the girl; "but he came home early, and then went out for a bit; but he was in very soon, and sat up to let missus in, while I went to bed." "What time will he be up?" said Joe. "Not before nine," said the girl. "Shall I tell him you want him?"