Page:The Black Moth.pdf/36

 before. Mr. Hedges observed Sir Anthony’s lips to twitch convulsively. He waited for Mr. Fudby to subside, and the continued:

“Yes—Mr. Fudby and Mr.”

“My clerk!” snapped Fudby.

Sir Anthony favored Mr. Chilter with his peculiarly sweet smile, and turned again to Mr. Hedges.

“I see. A daylight robbery, you say?”

“Broad daylight!” boomed Mr. Fudby.

“Er—yes, yes,” interposed the mayor, fearing a fresh outbreak from that quarter. “I wonder if you have seen anything of such an animal as Mr.—er—Chilter—described?”

Tis a most extraordinary thing,” said Carstares slowly, “but I have just bought such an one.” He glanced round with an inquiring smile and one eye-brow lifted.

“Well!” ejaculated Mr. Fudby. “Well!”

“Dear me, sir, what a strange coincidence! May I ask where you bought it, and from whom?”

“She has not been in my possession over two hours. I bought here from an out-at-elbows ruffian, on my way hither. I thought at one time that ’twas strange that the man should possess such a mare—pure bred, I vow—and wondered why he was so eager to be rid of her.”

“He was eager because he knew the would be recognised by her,” explained Mr. Fudby kindly.

“Without doubt, Perhaps you would like to see her? I will send my man”

“Oh no, no!” cried the mayor. “We would not dream of so inconveniencing you”

Twere a pleasure,” bowed Jack, devoutly hoping that Mr. Fudby would not require to see Jenny, who, he felt sure, would betray him by her very evident affection.

“No, no, Sir Anthony, ’tis quite unnecessary, I assure you, but I thank you for all that. Mr. Fudby,