The colonel was as bad with Cecile's mother, and Mr.
Errol with Mrs. Carmichael. The Squire was busy, so the veteran and he
were left alone. For a time, they smoked and talked, listening all the
while, as they could not fail, to the merry badinage of the party on the
verandah. At last he could stand it no longer. He rose, bade his
companion good-night, and strolled away on to the road. Once out of
observation from the house, he walked rapidly to his new quarters. "Is
that you, Styles?" asked Mrs. Tibbs, as he entered. He assured the
postmistress that he was not Styles, and asked if there was anything he
could do for her. "There is a letter here for Squire Carruthers, marked
'immediate,' and they have not been for their mail," she answered. So,
sorely against the grain, the lawyer had to take the letter and return
with it to Bridesdale. Mr. Carruthers was still in his office. He opened
the envelope and read:--
COLLINGWOOD, Saturday, 12 m.
_My Dear Squire,--_
Rawdon and his nephew have broken gaol and escaped. Be on your
guard.
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