Gard's story explained the mystery of the dead stranger and relieved the
public mind to that extent.
The Senechal was disposed to agree with his views on the matter.
"I never heard of those caves on L'Etat," he said musingly, as they sat
over their pipes one night; "and I'm sure no one else knew of them. But
there was much free-trading round here in the old times, and I've no
doubt many a Customs man disappeared and was never heard of again, just
like this one. All the Islands felt very sore about the new regulations,
and our people stick at nothing when their blood is up."
"They do not," said Gard feelingly.
"I'd like to get into that inner cave," said the Doctor longingly.
"You couldn't," said Gard, looking at his size and girth. "It's a mighty
tight squeeze under the slab, and that tunnel would beat you. Unless
you've been brought up to that kind of thing, you couldn't stand it. It
would give you nightmares for the rest of your life."
"That's a rare lass, that little Nance," said the Senechal. "There's
some good in Sark after all, Mr. Gard."
"She was an angel to me," said Gard with feeling.
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