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 Scott, who usually hung about the premises from nine to five ), take my horse and lead him into the stable.”

Helstone came in, marching nimbly and erect, looking browner, keener, and livelier than usual.

“Beautiful morning, Moore: how do, my boy? Ha! Whom have we here (turning to the personage with the staff)? Sugden! What! you’re going to work directly? On my word, you lose no time: but I come to ask explanations: your message was delivered to me; are you sure you are on the right scent? How do you mean to set about the business? Have you got a warrant?”

“Sugden has.”

“Then you are going to seek him now? I’ll accompany you.”

“You will be spared that trouble, sir; he is coming to seek me. I’m just now sitting in state, waiting his arrival.”

“And who is it? One of my parishioners?”

Joe Scott had entered unobserved; he now stood, a most sinister phantom, half his person being dyed of the deepest tint of indigo, leaning on the desk. His master’s answer to the Rector’s question was a smile; Joe took the word; putting on a quiet but pawky look, he said,—

“It’s a friend of yours, Mr. Helstone; a gentleman you often speak of.”