"Perhaps you can help me to a decision by telling me more," said
Barbara. "You need not be afraid to speak."
"By Mr. Crosby's manner I thought you had some power, madam; I imagined
that if you knew my master's position you would be able to help him."
"Who has accused Mr. Crosby of having anything to do with rebels?"
Barbara asked.
"I cannot tell, but there is no doubt as to what he has done. It is well
known that he has helped many of the rebels into safe hiding. There is
another who is doing the same, a highwayman called 'Galloping Hermit.'
You may have heard of him."
"Is he, too, in Dorsetshire?"
"The country people speak of him; now he is here, now there, but--"
"Do you think your master and this highwayman are the same person?"
asked Barbara, and with more eagerness than she had asked her other
questions.
"I have heard other people wonder whether they were, but I do not
believe it; still, if Mr. Crosby is 'Galloping Hermit,' he is a man to
be proud of. I would--"
"Yes, yes, I know," said Barbara; "but you can hardly expect me to take
much interest in a highwayman."
"No, madam, of course not. I was not thinking of the highwayman, but of
my master.
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