His shot apparently had not been heard. The vicinity of
the house was scoured for Rawdon, but without effect. He had got away
with his own money and many incriminating papers, to be a continued
source of annoyance and danger. Those who gave any thought to Coristine
imagined him asleep at the post office, and wondered at his
indifference. Chief among them were the dominie and Miss Carmichael.
There was little more rest that night in Bridesdale. One villain at
large was sufficient to keep the whole company in a state of
uncomfortable disquiet and apprehension. It was still dark, when old
Styles came to the gate and asked for Mr. Coristine, as he said the
crazy woman was at the post office, and Mrs. Tibbs wanted to know if she
could have the use of the spare room for the rest of the night. Then the
Squire was alarmed, and a great revulsion of feeling took place. The
man almost entirely ignored was now in everybody's mind, his name on all
lips but those which had been more to him than all the rest.
Stable lanterns were got out, and an active search began. Mr. Terry's
practiced ear caught the sound of voices down the hillside, and he
descended rapidly towards them.
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