He solved the mystery cautiously in a whisper.

The sheriff and the governor of the prison were then speaking privately with Ambrose Meadowcroft in his cell; they had expressly directed that no persons should be admitted to see the prisoner that day but themselves.
What did it mean?
We returned, wondering, to the farm.

There Naomi, speaking by chance to one of the female servants, made certain discoveries.
Early that morning the sheriff had been brought to Morwick by an old friend of the Meadowcrofts.

A long interview had been held between Mr.
Meadowcroft and his daughter and the official personage introduced by the friend.

Leaving the farm, the sheriff had gone straight to the prison, and had proceeded with the governor to visit Ambrose in his cell.