Page:Hornung - Irralies Bushranger.djvu/138

 conversation, he looked at his watch by the match-light, and professed surprise at the time. It was after three o'clock. Not another moment could he stay.

"But where are you going?" asked the guilty Irralie.

"To the township—for the police—entirely against what I believe to be my better judgment. I don't intend to come back till they're gone. I wonder, Miss Villiers, if you would come up to the stable and see me off?"

Irralie hesitated in a tremor of nervous apprehensions; but decided to keep suspicion disarmed, and said, as best she could, "Certainly, if you wish it, Mr. Fullarton." Her voice shook, however, and her knees trembled, as she followed him into the dark.

"You sympathize with that poor beggar!" he startled her by saying as they walked.

"What makes you think that?"

"You weren't at the supper-table. You were with him when he was taken. You seemed to like the fellow!"