Though he was not sure, he did not think any one was observing him
now. Most likely his movements up to the present had appeared
satisfactory, and it had not been thought necessary to watch him
longer.
But he was careful to do nothing to rouse suspicion if he were
still being spied upon, and after he had eaten and had a smoke he
started off on his long tramp.
Even yet he was careful, and so long as he was near the village he
made a show of avoiding observation as much as possible. Later on,
when he had made certain he was not being followed, he did not
trouble so much, though he still kept it in mind that any one he
met or passed might well be in fact one of Deede Dawson's agents.
He walked on sharply through the crisp autumn air, and in other
circumstances would have found the walk agreeable enough. It
was a little curious that as he proceeded on his way his chief
preoccupation seemed to shift from his immediate errand and intense
eagerness to discover the identity of his unknown foe, with whom he
hoped to stand face to face so soon, to a troubled and pressing
anxiety about Ella.
Up till now he had not thought it likely that she was in the least
real danger. He knew Simmonds, the man Walter had promised to put
on watch at Bittermeads, and knew him to be capable and trustworthy.
None the less, his uneasiness grew and strengthened with every mile
he traversed, till presently her situation seemed to him the one
weak link in his careful plans.
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