But he had an object in view.

He was quite sure that Boscobel and Nokes had not come to Boolabong on the same Sunday by any chance coincidence.
The men had something to propose, and in their own way they would make the proposition before they left, and would make it probably to him.

Boscobel intended to sleep at Boolabong, but Nokes had explained that it was his purpose to return that night to Medlicot's Mill.

The proposition no doubt would be made soon--a little after seven, when the day was preparing to give way suddenly to night.

Nokes first walked off, sloping out from the veranda in a half-shy, half-cunning manner, looking nowhither, and saying a word to no one.