Part 46 (2/2)

”Thomas Thrush, Captain Chesney's gamekeeper.”

”That's lucky; I know him. May I come in for a few minutes? I'm tired.”

She hardly knew what to say. If she refused he could force his way in; whoever he was, she thought it better to grant his request; it was a bad night to be out.

She opened the door and Carl stepped through. He walked into the cottage.

”Thanks,” he said; ”is Mr. Thrush in?”

Jane hesitated a moment; then said:

”He's gone out; he will not be long. You know my father?”

”Quite well.”

Something in his appearance was familiar; she looked at him curiously.

His eyes fascinated her; they were like a snake's, the eyes of Carl Meason, her husband, as she remembered them to have looked several times. It suddenly occurred to her that he might be her husband disguised; she was almost certain it was. What must she do?

Carl watched her. He caught signs that she recognized him, he had not much time to lose, he must make good use of it and act at once.

”It's me, my lady; I see you know me. Why did you run away from me?”

he said.

”What have you come here for in this disguise?” she said.

”To take you away. I am running great risks, but I want you, Jane, and I think you're worth it. You ought to be flattered.”

She must parley with him until her father and Abel were at hand.

”I shall not go with you,” she said firmly.

”Oh, yes, you will; I think I can persuade you,” he said, looking threateningly at her. ”You have given me away; that was not proper for a wife.”

She said nothing. If only she could detain him.

”Come, hurry up. Your father will not be back yet; he's gone to Little Trent, I heard him say so,” he said.

”I will not go,” said Jane.

”You will, and now. There's your hat and coat. Put them on.”

”No!”

He came toward her, looking terrible in his disguise.

”You see this,” he said, taking a large knife from his pocket, unsheathing it. ”If you do not come at once I will kill you.”

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