ould be a difficult matter for
one of them to remain two days in the place without attracting a great
deal of attention. It was possible that Walter Goddard might have been
concealed for one night in his wife's house, but even there he could not
have remained hidden for two days without being seen by Mrs. Goddard's
two women servants. The vicar walked rapidly through the park, looking
about him suspiciously as he went. Goddard might at that very moment be
lurking behind any one of those oaks; it would be most unpleasant if he
mistook the vicar for the squire. But that, the vicar reflected, was
impossible on account of his clerical dress. He reached the Hall in
safety and stood looking down among the leafless trees, waiting for the
door to be opened.

CHAPTER XVII.

Mr. Juxon received the vicar in the library as he had received him on the
previous day; but on the present occasion Mr. Ambrose had not been sent
for and the squire's face wore an expression of inquiry. He supposed his
friend had come to ask him the result of the interview with Mrs. Goddard,
and as he himself was on the point of going towards the cottage he wished
the vicar had come at a later or an earlier hour.

"I have a message to give you," said Mr. Ambrose, "a very important
message."

"Indeed?" answered the squire, observing his serious face.

"Yes. I had better tell you at once. Mrs. Goddard sent for me this
morning. She has actually seen her husband, who must be hiding in the
neighbourhood. He came to her drawing-room window last night and the
night before."

"Dear me!" exclaimed Mr. Juxon. "You don't tell me so!"

"That is not the worst of the matter," continued the vicar, looking very
grave and fixing his eyes on the squire's face. "This villainous fellow
has been threatening to take your life, Mr. Juxon."

Mr. Juxon stared at the vicar for a moment in surprise, and then broke
into a hearty laugh.

"My life!" he cried. "Upon my word, the fellow does not know what he is
talking about! Do you mean to say that this escaped convict, who can be
arrested at sight wherever he is found, imagines that he could attack me
in broad daylight without being caught?"

"Well, no, I suppose not--but you often walk home at night, Mr.
Juxon--alone through the park."

"I think that dog of mine could manage Mr. Goddard," remarked the squire
calmly. "And pray, Mr. Ambrose, now that we know that the man is in the
neighbourhood, what is to prevent us