Bridgwater were in themselves circumstances that went to heighten those
suspicions of Sir Rowland's. But lacking all opportunity for
investigation at the moment, he deemed it wisest to say no more just
then lest he should betray his watchfulness.

They were the first to arrive upon the ground - an open space on the
borders of Sedgemoor, in the shelter of Polden Hill. But they had not
long to wait before Wilding and Trenchard rode up, attended by a groom.
Their arrival had an oddly sobering effect upon young Westmacott, for
which Mr. Vallancey was thankful. For during their ride he had begun
to fear that he had carried too far the business of equipping his
principal with artificial valour.

Trenchard came forward to offer Vallancey the courteous suggestion
that Mr. Wilding's servant should charge himself with the care of the
horses of Mr. Westmacott's party, if this would be a convenience to
them. Vallancey thanked him and accepted the offer, and thus the
groom - instructed by Trenchard - led the five horses some distance
from the spot.

It now became a matter of making preparation, and leaving Richard to
divest himself of such garments as he might deem cumbrous, Vallancey
went forward to consult with Trenchard upon the choice of ground. At
that same moment Mr. Wilding lounged forward, flicking the grass with
his whip in an absent manner.

"Mr. Vallancey," he began, when Trenchard turned to interrupt him.

"You can leave it safely to me, Tony," he growled. "But there is
something I wish to say, Nick," answered Mr. Wilding, his manner mild.