"We got tired," said one bovine agriculturalist, explaining on behalf of himself and his friend, "and the damp was giving we the blamed rheumatics." "What the devil does that matter, you fools? You should have remained where I placed you." "You bean't our master," grumbled the spokesman, "and there weren't no money given to we." Trent stamped, but could not gainsay this speech. It was his own fault, as he recognised plainly enough, for it was his duty to have posted official guards. "How long have you been here?" he asked. "Twenty minutes to half an hour," said the yokel, drawing his sleeve across his mouth, as he set down an empty pewter. "Bill, here, and me 'ull go back, if it be as you'll give we money." "You can save yourself the trouble," retorted Trent sharply, swinging round on his heel, "the prisoner has escaped." Immediately the tap-room was in commotion, and everyone rose in consternation. It was not pleasant to think that a murderer was at large and in the neighbourhood. Narby, from force of habit, felt for his revolver. "Guess he can't hev gone far," said he, in his nasal American way, "th' fog 'ud stop him." "The fog will save him, more like," said Dr. Browne, quickly. "He'll have time to get away before the mists lift. And I'm glad." "Oh, you are, mister, and for why, may I ask?" "Because the man is innocent." "Innercent," shrieked Mrs. Narby shrilly, "an' me findin' the pocket-book, and Narby the razor an' key. Wot's yer torkin' of, anyhow?" "Here!" cried Trent, impatiently, "while we chatter, the prisoner is escaping. Twenty pounds to the man who finds him." The yokels needed no further incentive to action. They made a rush for the door, and in a few minutes the lands surrounding the village were dotted with lanterns, each carried by a man eager to earn the reward. Trent remained behind to ask questions. "Did anyone see the prisoner?" he asked Holl. The constable saluted sulkily. "No, sir. You gave orders that no one was to disturb him, and locked the door yourself. That girl," he pointed to Elspeth, who was an attentive spectator, "came up to see him, and went on her knees at the very door itself, that I should let her in. I told her that I could not, and that even if I would, the door was locked." "Did she speak through the door?" "No, sir, but the prisoner must have heard her asking me to let her enter," returned Holl smartly; and having saluted was dismissed abruptly. "Now then," said Trent, beckoning Elspeth to approach, "why did you wish to see the prisoner?" The girl was quite ready with her reply. "To tell him, that according to his wish I had sent a message to his friend in Tarhaven." "Ah!" cried Browne, nodding his thanks, "that was me. _You_ sent the telegram." "Yes, sir. Mr. Herries said that you would help him." "I intend to do all I can, my girl, but matters look black against him. All the same he is innocent."