"I think it must be, sir," was the reply of Isaac Hastings. CHAPTER XV. A NIGHTMARE FOR THE RECTOR OF ALL SOULS'. The Reverend Mr. Hastings had audibly expressed a wish never again to be left in the responsible position of trustee, and the Reverend Mr. Hastings echoed it a second time as he ascended a gig which was to convey him to Binham. A vestry meeting at All Souls' had been called for that evening at seven o'clock; but something arose during the day connected with the trust, and at four Mr. Hastings set off in a gig to see Brierly, the late agent to the Chisholm property. "I'll be back by seven if I can, Smith," he observed to his clerk. "If not, the meeting must commence without me." The way to Binham lay through shady lanes and unfrequented roads: unfrequented as compared with those where the traffic is great. It was a small place about six miles' distance from Prior's Ash, and the Rector enjoyed the drive. The day was warm and fine as the previous one had been--when you saw Maria Godolphin walking through the hayfield. Shady trees in some parts met overhead, the limes gave forth their sweet perfume, the heavy crops of grass gladdened the Rector's eye, some still uncut, some in process of being converted into hay by labourers, who looked off to salute the well-known clergyman as he drove past. "I might have brought Rose, after all," he soliloquized. "She would have had a pleasant drive. Only she would have been half an hour getting ready." He found Mr. Brierly at home, and their little matter of business was soon concluded. Mr. Hastings had other places to call at in the town: he had always plenty of people to see when he went to Binham, for he knew every one in it. "I wish you would take something," said the agent. "I can't stay," replied Mr. Hastings. "I shall find old Mrs. Chisholm at tea, and can take a cup with her, standing. That won't lose time. You have not heard from Harknar?" "No: not directly. His brother thinks he will be home next week." "The sooner the better. I want the affair settled, and the money placed out." He held out his hand as he spoke. Mr. Brierly, who, in days long gone by, when they were both boys together, had been an old school-fellow of the Rector's, put his own into it. But he did not withdraw it: he appeared to be in some hesitation. "Mr. Hastings, excuse me," he said, presently, speaking slowly, "have you kept the money, which I paid over to you, in your own possession?" "Of course not. I took it the same night to the Bank." "Ay. I guessed you would. Is it safe?" he added, lowering his voice. "_Safe!_" echoed Mr. Hastings. "I will tell you why I speak. Rutt the lawyer, over at your place, was here this afternoon, and in the course of conversation he dropped a hint that something was wrong at Godolphins'. It was not known yet, he said, but it would be known very soon." Mr. Hastings paused. "Did he state his grounds for the assertion?"