t three of the clock," said he,
"and took the road toward Primrose Croft. God grant none ill hath
befallen him!"

"Nought o' the sort," said the priest bluntly. "The gentlewomen be gone
belike, and Osmund with them. 'Tis a concerted plan, not a doubt
thereof: and smelleth of the fire [implies heretical opinions], or I
mistake greatly. Knew you nought thereof? Have a care how you make
answer!"

"Father, you have right well amazed me but to hear it. Most surely I
knew nought, saving only that when I returned home yestre'en, my little
maid told me Mistress Grena had been so good as to visit her, and had
brought her a cake and a posy of flowers from the garden. But if Osmund
were with her or no, that did I not hear."

"Was Mistress Grena wont to visit your daughter?"

"By times, Father: not very often."

As all his neighbours must be aware of Mistress Grena's visit, Roger
thought it the wisest plan to be perfectly frank on that point.

"Ask at Christabel if she wist whether Osmund came withal."

Roger made the inquiry, and returned with the information that
Christabel did not know. From her couch she could only see the horse's
ears, and had not noticed who was with it.

"'Tis strange matter," said the priest severely, "that a gentleman of
means and station, with his sister, and daughter, and servant, could
disappear thus utterly, and none know thereof!"

"It is, Father, in very deed," replied Roger sympathisingly.

"I pray you, Hall, make full inquiry at the works, and give me to wit if
aught be known thereof. Remember, you are somewhat under a cloud from
your near kinship to Alice Benden, and diligence in this matter may do
you a good turn with holy Church."

"Sir, I will make inquiry at the works," was the answer, which did not
convey Roger's intention to make no use of the inquiries that could
damage his master, nor his settled conviction that no information was to
be had.

The only person at all likely to know more than himself was the cashier
at the works, since he lived between Cranbrook and Primrose Croft, and
Roger carefully timed his inquiries so as not to include him. The
result was what he expected--no one could tell him anything. He quickly
and diligently communicated this interesting fact to the priest's
servant, his master not being at home; and Mr Bastian was more puzzled
than ever. The nine days' wonder gradually died down. On the Thursday
evening Mr Justice Roberts came home, and