Part 52 (1/2)

Meg had been down to the village and discovered that Hugo and Tony had gone by bus to the junction in time for the 10.23.

Peter was playing golf with Squire Walcote on a little course he had made in some of his fields. It was impossible to go and hunt for Peter without giving away the whole situation, and Jan was loth to do that.

She and Meg stared at one another in dismayed impotence.

Jan ordered the pony-carriage; she would drive to the junction, leaving a note for Peter at ”The Green Hart,” but it was only too likely he would lunch with the Walcotes.

”You must eat something,” said Meg. ”There's a train in at a quarter to two; you'd better meet that before you go to the junction; the guard might be able to tell you something.”

At lunch little Fay wept because there was no Tony.

CHAPTER XXVI

IN WHICH SEVERAL PEOPLE SPEAK THEIR MINDS

”After all, you know,” Meg said, with intent to comfort, ”no great harm can happen to Tony. Hugo will only take the child a little way off, to see what he can get out of you.”

”It's the moral harm to Tony that I mind,” Jan answered sadly. ”He was getting so happy and trustful, so much more like other children. I know his father has got him to go away by some ruse, and he will be miserable and embittered because he has been cheated again.”

”Shall you drive to the junction if you hear nothing at the station?”

”Yes, I think so, though I've little hope of learning anything there.

You see, people come there from three directions. They couldn't possibly notice everybody as they do at a little station like this.”

”Wait,” said Meg, ”don't go to the junction. Have you forgotten Mr.

Ledgard was to fetch us all at half-past two? He'll run you over in his car in a quarter the time you'd take to go with Placid, and be some use as well. You'd better come straight back here if you get no news, and I'll keep him till you get back if he turns up first.”

By this time the pony-cart was at the door. Meg helped Jan in, kissed her, and whispered, ”Cheer up; I feel somehow you'll hear something,”

and Jan drove off. She found a boy to hold the pony when she reached the station, and went in. The old porter was waiting for the train, and she asked if he happened to notice her little nephew that morning.

”Yes, miss, I did see 'un along with a holder gentleman unbeknownst to me.”

Jan walked up and down in an agony of doubt and apprehension.

The train came in. There were but few pa.s.sengers, and among them was Miles, come down again for the week-end.

He greeted Jan with effusion. Had she come to meet anyone, or was it a parcel?

To his astonishment Miss Ross broke from him and rushed at the guard right up at the far end of the train.

The guard evidently disclaimed all knowledge of the parcel, for Miles saw him shaking his head vigorously.

”Any other luggage, sir?” asked the old porter, lifting out Miles'

suit-case.

”Yes, a box of rods in the van.”