"Now, however, having undertaken the painful duty, I must discharge it
faithfully," added the officer.
"Yes, Mr. Purley, but gently and considerately, I know. You will inflict
as little of unmerited mortification as may be consistent with your
duty."
"Heaven knows I will."
"Then I have a plan to propose, and a favor to ask of you."
"If I can gratify you with safety to the custody of my charge, I will do
so; but here we are at the hotel now, and you had better wait until we
get into a private sitting-room. The people of the place need not know
that we are officers in charge of an accused party; but may be left to
suppose that we are ordinary travellers."
"Oh, I thank you for that!" exclaimed Mr. Berners, warmly.
They entered the hotel, a second-class house in a cross street, where
the elder officer asked for a private sitting-room, to which they were
immediately shown.
As soon as the four were seated, Mr. Berners turned to the elder officer
and broached his plan.
"You spoke of taking the night coach for Staunton. Now, if another
conveyance could be found--a private conveyance that would be more
comfortable for all parties, and would also be entirely under your own
control--would you not be willing that we should travel by it?"
"Oh! if you are able and willing to furnish a private conveyance for the
journey, and place it as you say at my own exclusive orders, I shall be
happy to take the lady down that way, rather than expose her in a public
stage coach."
"Thanks. I have a wagon and horses here at livery. They can be put to
use at a few minutes' notice. So, if you prefer, you can start at once
upon this journey, and make some twenty-five or thirty miles before
night."
"Let us see the team first, and then we shall be able to judge," said
the officer.
And after a few minutes' conversation it was arranged that Sybil should
be left in charge of the second officer, and that Mr. Purley should go
with Mr. Berners to the livery stable to look at the horses and wagon.
These two went out together, and Purley took the precaution to lock the
door and put the key in his pocket.
"Why have you done that?" inquired Lyon, reproachfully.
"Because women are irrational and impulsive. I have always found them
so! She might suddenly cut and run; and although it wouldn't be a bit
of use, you know, because she would be sure to be retaken in an hour or
less time; yet, you see, it would cause a fuss, and be very unpleasant
to me and you and her and everybody."
"I see," said Mr. Berners, with a sigh, acknowledging the truth of the
position.