"You guessed right," I said. "That was when I gave myself away--only it
was not to any one behind a wall! And do you know I believe the fellow
actually tried me with the proper answer for the sheep riddle, only I
could make nothing out of it. Was I an idiot, or would any one have done
the same?"
"Any one!" she said with conviction. "And don't you think I was right now
about the reason why he stopped firing next day?"
"I begin to think you were. He was cunning enough to see that it wasn't
worth while running any risks, when he could probably get a sitting shot
next time. And he would have got me if you hadn't arrested me. Heavens!
To think of that man single-handed defying the British Navy and the
British Police and actually making it impossible for any pursuer he
considered dangerous to remain alive in this island! Bolton went, poor
chap, and I would have gone but for you."
Perhaps I pressed her arm a little. Anyhow, she answered nothing for a
moment, and then in a low voice said,
"Poor Bolton! Oh, you've no idea how frightened I got that morning when I
heard the news!"
I knew it was not for herself she was frightened, and my heart
beat quicker.
"I wonder how it happened," she went on. "I've often wondered since!"
"If I may venture to guess too," I said, "I should say that Bolton was
undoubtedly on the right track.
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