"It's odd--I came through them woods on the Shawl there about a quarter to ten last night: I'd been across to the other side to see a man of mine that's poorly in bed.

Now, I never heard aught, never saw aught--but then, it's true I was hurrying--I'd made an appointment for a hand at whist with the Mayor at my house at ten o'clock, and I thought I was late.

I never heard a sound--not so much as a dead twig snap! But then, it would ha' been before that--at some time." "Yes, at some time," agreed Brereton.

"Well,--I'll see you in court, no doubt." He turned back, and followed Bent and Avice at a distance, watching them thoughtfully.
"At some time ?" he mused.

"Um! Well, I'm now conversant with the movements of two inhabitants of Highmarket at a critical period of last night.