"Never a trace of them has there been since they were released from prison, never a trace. Out of the country they both went, so we think, and that's as far as we know. It was the death-blow to Squire, it was; but he died trusting in Master Derrick. Left him all his money too, did Squire; 'as a proof,' so Squire said. Yes, the Chase went to your father, the Major, Master Robin, him being eldest son, my dear, but the money's waiting for Master Derrick when he comes home."
The old woman's voice ceased, and there was silence. In the little room dusk had fallen while she had been speaking, for her story had been a long one. The firelight lit up the white faces of the four listeners, but none of them spoke: even Peter for once had nothing to say. Jan slipped her hand into Robin's, and he held it fast. "Poor Uncle Derrick!" said the little girl in a quivering voice, after a few minutes had passed.
"And sure, why poor?" Brownie's voice was husky but it was firm still. "'Twas naught of wrong that he did; nor Hooker, neither, for we know. They'll be coming back, an' wrongful punishment cannot smirch the innocent, my dears. Please God, I shall see them, too; please God they'll come in my time; but that they will come back, I know." There was silence again for a minute or two, and then the spell that seemed laid on the little group by the telling of the old woman's story was suddenly broken by a sound outside. Old Brown clamped noisily into the kitchen, kicking the earth from his boots on the step outside. "I've been down to th' hut, wife," said he, "but the young folks hain't thereabouts. Happen ye know where they'll be?"
"We're here!" The four came out of the shadows, feeling glad in a way of the interruption, for the story was too dreadfully sad to them to be thought of too long. "D'you want us, Brown?" asked Robin.
"Aye, sir, 'tis a message. There's a telegraft come this night. Your mother, sir, would have spoke to you herself, she bid me say, but she's right-down busy. The Major's expecting leave, and——"
"Dad!" Three voices were raised in excited chorus.
"Aye, my dears, 'tis good news, that's certain. He's hoping to be home come Saturday. Your mother, sir, she was fair set about at first on account of the scarlet fever, but she's talked it over with the Doctor. They've arranged to move the young gentleman into the old wing. 'We'll disinfect the rest of the house for three whole days,' so madam said, and Doctor, he agreed; 'and then 'twill be right enow,' said madam, 'what wi' sulphur-burning, and such like.' Aye, they've fires lighted, and 'tis all under way, and they're moving Master Dick this night." The old man hobbled to his favourite chair.
Join or Log In!
You need to log in to continue reading
