322 AN ENGLISH GAMEKEEPER. 



at all, as he says he has ; neither night or day, 

 for on Tuesday night he was in the saddle-room 

 playing cards with the grooms and coachmen 

 till past ten, and on Wednesday night he went 

 to Appleshaw with Fanny and the cook, and 

 did not get home till past ten. I can prove, 

 too, where he has been during the three days, 

 and that was not watching the snares, and 

 should you enquire, sir, you will find that I 

 have but stated the bare facts." 



Then Mr. Fowle went off to the stables, and 

 called up the grooms and coachmen. " Now 

 I am going to ask you a question, and I will 

 have it answered truthfully ; if I find you 

 trying to prevaricate I shall discharge you, so 

 be careful. Was Humphries here on Tuesday 

 night, playing cards ? " 



" Yes, sir," was the reply. 



" Was he here three or four hours ? " 



" Yes, sir." Off went Mr. Fowle into the 

 house, and sent for Fanny, and Sarah the cook. 

 They came. 



" Did Humphries go to Appleshaw with 

 you, on Wednesday night ?" he asked. 



