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Is that you, Doctor Pepper? he called out.
Now this is strange, thought Jerk, for the schoolmaster must surely have known what man he was following, and why hadnt he cried out before?
Se
Who is it? asked Pepper; and then, recognizing the shoddy young man, he added: Why, its the schoolmaster!
Yes, Doctor Pepper, replied Rash, and its been a hard job Ive had to recover you, for its an unca
Just then there was the sound of horses galloping in the distance, Jerk could hear it distinctly.
What do you want me for? asked the physician.
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It was the vicar sent me for you, sir, replied the schoolmaster. He wants you to come at once; theres somebody dying in the parish.
Do you know who it is? said the physician.
I believe its old Mrs. Tapsole in the Bake House, but Im none too sure.
Indeed it seemed to Jerk that uncertainty was the whole attitude of the schoolmaster. He seemed to be listening to the distant noise of galloping and answering old Se
I dont think its Mrs. Tapsole, either, for I saw her to-day and she was as merry as a cricket.
Shes had a fit, sir, thats about what shes had, replied the schoolmaster vaguely.
Then, said the physician, you do know something about it, do you?
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I know just what I was asked to say, returned the schoolmaster irritably. Its not my business to tell you whats the matter with your patients. If you dont know, Im sure I dont. Youre a doctor, aint you?
No doubt old Pepper would have pulled the schoolmaster up with a good round turn for his boorishness and extraordinary ma
At full gallop across the Marsh were going a score or so of horsemen, lit by a light that shone from their faces and from the heads of their mad horses. Jerk could see Rash shaking as if with the ague, but for some reason he pretended not to see the hideous sight.
What are you looking at? he said, for I see nothing.
There, there! screamed old Pepper. You must see something there!
Nothing but dyke, marsh, and the highroad, faltered the schoolmaster.
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No! Therelookridersmen on horses. Marsh fiends! yelled the terrified physician.
What in hells name are you trying to scare me for? cursed the trembling Rash. Dont I tell you I see nothing? Aint that enough for you?
Then God forgive me! cried poor Se
Then God have mercy on it! The words came somehow through the schoolmasters set teeth; the silver steel leapt from the pocket of his overcoat, and Se
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The sudden horror of the thing was too much even for the callous Jerk, for his senses failed him and he slid back into the dyke among the rushes, and when he came to himself the first shreds of dawn were rising over Romney Marsh.
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Chapter 10
Doctor Syn Gives Some Advice
That he was still dreaming was Jerrys first thought, but he was so bitterly coldfor his clothes were wet with mud and dyke waterthat he quickly realized his mistake; however, it took him a power of time and energy, and not a little courage, before he dared creep forth from his hiding-place. When he did the Marsh looked empty. The sheets of mist had rolled away, and it looked as i
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to him and looked. He was lying face downward, just as he had fallen, and the white road was stained with a dark bloody smudge.
Well, he said to himself, heres another job for old Mipps, and a trip to the ropemakers, and shivering with cold and horror he set off as fast as he could go toward the village.
Now, when he was within sight of his own house, he began to consider what it was he duty to do. He had his own eyesight to prove the schoolmasters guilt; but would he be believed? Could the schoolmaster somehow turn the tables upon him? If he breathed a word to his grandparents he would at once be hauled before that brutal captain; and the captain he felt sure would not believe him. The squire might, but the captain would, of course, take the side of authority, and back up the schoolmaster. Denis Cobtree was not old enough to give him counsel, and, besides that, the captain was staying at the Court House.
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No: Doctor Syn was the man to go to. He was kindly and patient, and would anyhow give one leave to speak without interruption. So, crossing the fields, so as not to pass by his grandparents windows, he struck out for the vicarage.
Just as he was skirting the churchyard he heard the tramp of feet, and the captain passed along the road, followed by the Kings men. Two of them were bearing a shutter. Then the murder was known already. They were going to get Se
A hundred guineas will be paid to any person, or persons, who shall directly cause the arrest of a mulatto, a seaman. White hair; yellow face; no ears; six feet high; when last seen wearing royal navy cooks uniform. Necklace of sharks teeth around neck. Tattoo marks of a gibbet on right forearm; a cockatoo on left wrist; and a brig in full sail executed in two dyes of tattoo work upon his chest.
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This man wanted by the crown for the murder of Se
[Signed] ANTHONY COBTREE, Leveller of the Marsh Scotts, Court House, Dymchurch, and
HOWARD COLLYER, Captain of his Majestys Navy, and Coast Agent and Commissioner, Court House, Dymchurch
The writing on this notice was executed in most scholarly style, and Jerk knew the familiar lettering to be the handiwork of the murderous schoolmaster himself. This colossal audacity was quite terrifying to him. It looked as if it had been written in the blood of the victim; for the black ink was still wet.
As he gazed the church door opened and Doctor Syn came out. He looked pale and worried, as well he might, for indeed this shocking affair had already caused a most shaking sensation in the village.
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