Page:The Children of the New Forest - 1847 - Marryat.djvu/205

 "Let us move on; and two of you keep your eye upon that young man," said the Intendant aside.

They then proceeded through the wood; the Intendant mounted his horse, and they set off for the cottage, where they arrived at about two o'clock in the afternoon.  

came out as soon as he perceived the Intendant. and his party approaching, and whispered to Edward that all was safe. The Intendant dismounted, and ordering everybody but his clerk to wait outside, was ushered into the cottage by Edward. Alice, Edith, and Pablo were in the room; the two girls were not a little flushed and frightened by the unusual appearance of so large a party of strangers.

"These are my sisters, Sir," said Edward. "Where is Clara, Alice?"

"She is alarmed, and has gone into our bed-room."

"I hope you are not alarmed at my presence," said the Intendant, looking earnestly at the two girls. "It is my duty which obliges me to pay this visit; but you have nothing to fear. Now, Edward Armitage, you must produce all the boxes and packages which you took from the cottage."

"I will, Sir," replied Edward, "and here are the keys. Humphrey, do you and Pablo bring them out."

The boxes were brought out, opened, and examined by the Intendant and his clerk, but of course no papers were found in them.

"I must now send in two of my people to search the house," said the Intendant. "Had you not better go to the little girl, that she may not be frightened?"

"I will go to her," said Alice. Two of the people, assisted by the clerk, then searched the 