There are queer fish about, mother." "I take the money beforehand," she retorted with a grin; and I was as sure that she was in the plot as of my own existence.
There was nothing to be done; James's face urged me towards the station.
I turned away.

But at this instant a loud, merry laugh sounded from inside the house.

I started, and this time violently.

The old woman's brow contracted in a frown, and her lips twitched for a moment; then her face regained its composure; but I knew the laugh, and she must have guessed that I knew it.

Instantly I tried to appear as though I had noticed nothing.