He was quieter than I thought he could be, in such a strait, for he has always been by nature, as you know, choleric.
"'I am ready, gentlemen,' he said.
"Peters whispered in Cockshaw's ear.
"'Ah yes,' the other said, 'I had well-nigh forgotten,' and he turned to me.

'Where is Master Charles Carstairs ?' "'He is not in the house,' I said.

'He rode away this morning, and did not tell me where he was going.' "'When do you expect him back ?' "'I do not expect him at all,' I said.

'When Master Charles rides out to visit his friends, he sometimes stays away for a day or two.' "'Is it supposed,' Sir Marmaduke asked coldly, 'that my son is also mixed up in this precious scheme ?' "'It is sworn that he was privy to it,' John Cockshaw said, 'and is, therefore, included in the orders for arrest.' "Sir Marmaduke did not speak, but he shut his lips tight, and his hand went to where the hilt of his sword would have been.

Two of the constables went out and questioned the grooms, and found that you had, as I said, ridden off.