"Necessity makes us
acquainted with strange bedfellows," says the very true proverb; and what
might have been borne yesterday would not be borne to-day.
"Let me understand you," he said, and there was a stern decision in his
tone and manner that surprised Pike. "Have you any reason whatever to
suspect that man of having injured, or attempted to injure my brother?"
"_I_'ve not," answered Pike. "I never saw him nearer to the mill
yesterday than he was when he looked at us. I don't think he went nearer.
My lord, if I knew anything against the man, I'd tell it out, and be
glad. I hate the whole tribe. _He_ wouldn't make the mistake again,"
added Pike, half-contemptuously. "He knew which was his lordship fast
enough to-day, and which wasn't."
"Then what did you mean by insinuating that the blow on the temple was
the result of violence?"
"I didn't say it was: I said it might have been. I don't know a thing, as
connected with this business, against a mortal soul. It's true, my lord."
"Perhaps, then, you will leave this room," said Lord Hartledon.
"I'm going. And many thanks to your lordship for not having turned me
from it before, and for letting me have my say. Thanks to _you_, sir," he
added, as he went out of the room and passed Hedges, who was waiting in
the hall.
Hedges closed the door after him, and turned to receive a reprimand from
his new master.
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