Page 25 (1/2)

I was soon stuh which we had approached the house

Bates swung along confidently enough ahead of an

to feel, asI was utterly at sea as to the character of

the grounds; I was following a man whoan to suspect

of all ns upon me It holly

unlikely that the person who had fired into the ould lurk about, and, ht of the lantern,

the crack of the leaves and the breaking of the

boughs advertised our approach loudly I aiven to steadfastness in error, if nothing else,

and I plunged along behind in of the lake, if for no

other reason than to exercise e estate

A bush slappedfrom my face

"Are you hurt, sir?" asked Bates solicitously, turning

with the lantern

"Of course not," I snapped "I' the tile?"

"Not through here, sir It was Mr Glenarm's idea

not to disturb the wood at all He was very fond of

walking through the tiht, I hope! Where are ?"

"Quite near the lake, sir"

"Then go on"

I was out of patience with Bates, with the pathless