human
Don't talk to me, Alan! cried Sophy, when her lover objected to this sudden move.
gpt
It would drive me mad to stay here doing nothing, with that on my mind.
human
But, my dear girl, it may not be true.
gpt
If it is not, why should that man have written? Did you see him?
human
No. He has left the parade, and no one seems to know anything about him. It is quite likely that when he saw us returning to the hotel he cleared out. By this time I dare say he is on his way to London.
gpt
Did you see the police?
human
No, said Alan, taking out the letter which had caused all this trouble;
gpt
I don't think that, Mr. Thorold, said Miss Vicky.
human
This man evidently wants money, and is willing to tell the truth for the matter of a hundred pounds.
gpt
On account, remarked Thorold grimly;
human
I will come, insisted Sophy.
gpt
Oh, it is terrible to think that poor father was not allowed to rest quietly even in his grave.
human
Of course, it may not be true, urged Alan again.
gpt
I don't see how this tramp could have got to know of it.
human
Perhaps he helped to violate the secrets of the tomb?
gpt
In that case he would hardly put himself within reach of the law, Alan said, after a pause.
human
Besides, if the vault had been broken into we should have heard of it from Joe.
gpt
Why should it be broken into, Alan? The key----
human
I have one key, and the Rector has the other. My key is in my desk at the Abbey Farm, and no doubt Phelps has his safe enough.
gpt
Your key may have been stolen.
human
It might have been, admitted Alan.
gpt
That is one reason why I am so anxious to get back to-night. We must find out also if the coffin is empty.
human
Yes, yes; let us go at once! Sophy cried feverishly.
gpt
I shall never rest until I learn the truth. Come, Vicky, let us pack. When can we leave, Alan?
human
In half an hour, he said.
gpt
We can catch the half-past six train. Can you be ready?
human
Yes, yes!
gpt
Give her a sedative or something, he said,
human
I will at once. Have a carriage at the door in a quarter of an hour, Mr. Thorold. We can be ready by then. I suppose it is best she should go?
gpt
Much better than to leave her here. We must set her mind at rest. At this rate she will work herself into a fever.
human
But if this story should really be true?
gpt
I don't believe it for a moment, replied Alan. But he was evidently uneasy, and could not disguise the feeling.
human
Wait till we get to Heathton--wait,