After that, I fell asleep." Perturbed and anxious though he was, Grant could hardly fail to see that Bates meant well by him.

The mental effort needed for such a long speech said as much.

The allusion to Sirius, amusing at any other time, was now most valuable, because an astronomical almanac would give the hour at which that brilliant star became visible.

Other considerations yielded at once, however, to the fear lest Robinson and his note-book were already busy at the post office.

Without another word, he hurried away by the side-path through the evergreens, leaving Bates staring after him, and, with more whisker-pulling, examining the rope and staple, which, by the policeman's order, were not to be disturbed.
Grant reached the highroad just as Robinson and the men with the stretcher were crossing a stone bridge spanning the river about a hundred yards below The Hollies.