A merciful Providence had kept Mr Turnbull indoors, but if he appeared on the scene there would be trouble.

I had a notion that the cordon was still tight round the glen, and that if I walked in any direction I should meet with questioners.

But get out I must.

No man's nerve could stand more than a day of being spied on.
I stayed at my post till five o'clock.

By that time I had resolved to go down to Turnbull's cottage at nightfall and take my chance of getting over the hills in the darkness.