Mrs.Goddard leaned back against the wicket gate, and Nellie, startled by the noises, pressed close to her mother's side.
"Why--he has gone up the park!" exclaimed John in great surprise.

"He was calling to his dog--" "Oh, Mr.Short!" cried Mrs.Goddard in agonised tones, as soon as she could speak, "I am sure something dreadful has happened--do go.

Mr.
Short--do go and see--" Something of the extreme alarm that sounded in her voice seized upon John.
"Stay with Mrs.Goddard, Reynolds," he said quickly and darted across the road towards the park gate.

John was strong and active.

He laid his hands upon the highest rails and vaulted lightly over, then ran at the top of his speed up the dark avenue.
Mr.Juxon, in his absence of mind, had gone through the gate alone, swinging his blackthorn stick in his hand, Stamboul stalking at his heel in the gloom.