"Yes," said Nora. "He took the puppy to the Hold, and was showing it to Bridget when the fire broke out--that's the tale that's told to me. But Jim had a torch, they say; and torches are dangerous things in rick-yards----" "Jim's a fool!" was the complimentary interruption of Jim's mother. "His head's running wild over that flighty Bridget, as ain't worth her salt. I asked him what he was bringing on that puppy for, and he said for Bridget--and I told him he was a simpleton for his pains. And now this has come of it!" "How did you hear of Jim's being connected with the fire?" "I have had a dozen past here, opening their mouths," resentfully spoke the woman. "Some of 'em said Mr. Rupert was mixed up in it, and the police were after him as well as after Jim." "It is true that Mr. Rupert is said to be mixed up in it," said Nora, speaking with a purpose. "And he is taken into custody." "Into custody?" echoed Mrs. Sanders, in a scared whisper. "Yes; and Jim must be hidden away for the next four and twenty hours, or they'll take him. Where's he to be found?" "I couldn't tell you if you killed me for't," protested Mrs. Sanders; and her tones were earnestly truthful. "Maybe he is in hiding--has gone and put himself into 't in his fear of Chattaway and the police. Though I'll take my oath he never did it wilful. If he _had_ a torch, why, a spark of it might have caught a loose bit of hay and fired it: but he never did it wilful. It ain't a windy night, either," she added reflectively. "Eh! the fool that there Jim has been ever since he was born!" Nora paused. In the uncertainty as to where to look for Jim, she did not see her way very clearly to accomplishing the object in view, and took a few moments' rapid counsel with herself. "Listen, Mrs. Sanders, and pay attention to what I say," she cried impressively. "I can't do for Jim what I wanted to do, because he is not to be found. But now mind: should he come in after I am gone, send him off instantly to the farm. Tell him to dodge under the trees and hedges on his way, and take care that no one catches sight of him. When he gets to the farm, he must come to the front-door, and knock gently with his knuckles: I shall be in the room." "And then?" questioned Mrs. Sanders, looking puzzled. "I'll take care what then; I'll take care of _him_. Now, do you understand?" "Yes, yes," said the woman. "I'll be sure to do it, Miss Dickson." "Mind you do," said Nora. "And now, good-night to you." Mrs. Sanders was officiously coming to the door with the candle, to light her visitor; but Nora peremptorily sent her back, giving her at the same time a piece of advice in rather sharp tones--to keep her cottage dark and silent that night, lest the attention of passers-by might be drawn to it.