That the trap the unknown had so carefully laid for himself to be
taken in, would assuredly and securely close upon him, Dunn felt
certain enough. Walter would see to that. Sure was it, too, that
the enterprise Deede Dawson had planned for himself and Allen at
the Abbey must result in their discomfiture and capture. Walter
would see to that also. But concerning Ella's position doubt would
insist on intruding, till at last he decided that the very moment
the Brook Bourne Spring business was satisfactorily finished with
he would hurry at his best speed to Bittermeads and make sure of
her safety.
Absorbed in these uneasy thoughts, he had insensibly slackened
speed, and looking at his watch he saw that it was two o'clock, and
that he was still, by the milestone at the roadside, eight miles
from his destination.
He wished to be there a little before the time arranged for him by
Deede Dawson, and he increased his pace till he came to a spot
where the path he had to take branched off from the road he had
been following. At this spot a heavy country lad was sitting on
a gate by the wayside, and as Dunn approached he clambered heavily
down and slouched forward to meet him.
"Be you called Robert Dunn, mister?" he asked.
Dunn gave him a quick and suspicious look, much startled by this
sudden recognition in so lonely a spot.
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