Merry, who
constituted himself spokesman.
"She accuses herself," said the magistrate, in dismay.
"Then, sir, had she not better be taken at once to the presence of
Mr. Le Noir, who may not have many minutes to live?"
"Yes, come along," said Cap. "I only gave myself up to wait for
this; and as he is already at hand, let's go and have it all over,
for I have been riding about in this frosty morning air for three
hours, and I have got a good appetite, and I want to go home to
breakfast."
"I am afraid, young woman, you will scarcely get home to breakfast
this morning," said Mr. Merry.
"We'll see that presently," answered Cap, composedly, as they all
left the office, and crossed the street to the Antlers.
They were conducted by the landlord to a chamber on the first floor,
where upon a bed lay stretched, almost without breath or motion, the
form of Craven Le Noir. His face was still covered with blood, that
the bystanders had scrupulously refused to wash off until the
arrival of the magistrate. His complexion, as far as it could be
seen, was very pale. He was thoroughly prostrated, if not actually
dying.
Around his bed were gathered the village doctor, the landlady and
several maid-servants.
"The squire has come, sir; are you able to speak to him?" asked the
landlord, approaching the bed.
"Yes, let him swear me," feebly replied the wounded man, "and then
send for a clergyman.
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