Part 10 (2/2)
”She doesn't find it so. She'd rather live there than anywhere; and she's quite safe, n.o.body would dare interfere with her. Tom's a roughish customer; any slight or insult to his daughter would be resented,” said Abel, looking at him in a peculiar way.
A few days later Carl met Jane Thrush going toward Little Trent. He bade her good-morning and she replied. Her tone was friendly. He made advances which she did not resent and said, in answer to his question, she had no objection to his walking with her to the village. Carl was delighted; he was never short of conversation, and he was the man to interest such a girl. He spoke with deference, explaining he was staying at the Sherwood Inn and found it lonely. It was quite a treat to have somebody to talk to, Abel Head was not very loquacious.
Jane laughed as she said:
”Abel can talk fast enough sometimes; you ought to hear him and Father, they are never at a loss for something to say.”
”I don't think I have met your father,” he said.
”He's seldom out in the daytime; his duties are mostly at night. He's Mr. Chesney's game-keeper.”
”That's an important position I should think; there seems to be plenty of game in Trent Park.”
”There is when you know where to find it. Do you know Mr. Chesney?”
”I have not that pleasure. Of course you know him?”
”Very well; he is a nice man, so friendly. He gave me Jack,” said Jane.
”Who's Jack?”
”My dog, a big black retriever; he's generally with me but I left him at home to-day; there have been tramps about lately.”
”Poachers?”
”Oh no, they are quite different, but Father can't bear the sight of such men. He says they are useless vagabonds and will steal anything they can lay their hands on.”
Carl smiled.
”I wonder if he thinks I'm one of that sort?” he said.
”He knows you are not. Abel told him you are always very busy making maps, that you are a surveyor.”
”So he's talked me over with Abel?”
”Yes; I fancy they both wonder why you picked on Sherwood Inn to work in.”
”That's easily explained; because it's quiet, and such a splendid country. I love the country; I came across it quite by accident, I was motoring and stopped there for lunch; it struck me as an ideal place to work in,” he said.
”And when you are not at work you like to ramble about the country.”
”Yes, it is a pleasant relaxation. There are many charming spots about here I have not seen, there is no one to guide me,” he said. ”That old ruin where your cottage is must have an interesting history, and the keep with the moat round.”
”It is, very interesting. I know a good deal about it. Mr. Chesney lent me a book which gives a very good description of it and what it used to be,” said Jane.
”Perhaps you will let me see it?” he said.
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