Harris; "and folks complain sadly of being
served by that awkward lass he's left in charge of the house. I've had
a many of his old customers come up here for what they want."
"Does anybody know where he's gone?"
"That's as may be," answered Mr. Harris. "Anyhow, I don't. Some say
he's gone to London for a fortnight's pleasure; but if he has, he's a
very queer man of business; and it strikes me, when he comes back he
will find his customers all left him."
"Do you think he's cut and run?"
"Well, you see, he might be in debt, and want to give his creditors the
slip."
"But folks down the village say he didn't owe a five-pound note,"
returned the landlord, who was a great authority with regard to all
local gossip. "It's rather a queer business altogether, that chap
taking himself off without why or wherefore, and just about the time as
the little girl disappeared from the castle."
"Why, you don't think he had anything to do with _that_, Joe Harris?"
exclaimed the butler.
Andrew Larkspur took occasion to look at Matthew Brook at this moment;
and he saw the coachman's honest face grow pallid, as if under the
influence of some sudden terror.
"You don't believe as Maunders had a hand in stealing the child, eh,
Joe Harris?" repeated the butler.
Joe Harris shook his head solemnly.
"I don't think nothing, and I don't believe nothing," he answered, with
a mysterious air.
Pages:
636
637
638
639
640
641
642
643
644
645
646
647
648
649
650
651
652
653
654
655
656
657
658
659
660