fence nearly the whole distance. At about two in the morning he
reached his cottage outside the mill on the river-bank; but he was
unable to skulk in unheard. Some dogs made a noise, and presently he
heard a voice calling him from the house. "Is that you, Nokes, at
this time of night?" asked Mr. Medlicot. Nokes grunted out some
reply, intending to avoid any further question. But his master came
up to the hut door and asked him where he had been.

"Just amusing myself," said Nokes.

"It's very late."

"It's not later for me than for you, Mr. Medlicot."

"That's true. I've just ridden home from

"From Gangoil? I didn't know you were so friendly there, Mr.
Medlicot."

"And where have you been?"

"Not to Gangoil, anyway. Good-night, Mr. Medlicot." Then the man took
himself into his hut, and was safe from further questioning that
night.




CHAPTER VII.