'I heard of your haul of ash,' he said. 'A man in the Air Board told
me. Magnificent!'
'You may thank her.' The Squire indicated his secretary. 'I knew
nothing about it.'
'And you're still hunting?' Sir Henry turned to Elizabeth. 'May I
join your walk if you're going through the woods?' Captain Dell was
introduced. 'You want my opinion on your deal? Well, I'm an old
forester, and I'll give it you with pleasure. I used to shoot here,
year after year, with the Squire, in our young days--isn't that so,
Mannering? I know this bit of country by heart, and I think I could
help you to bag a few more ash.'
Elizabeth's blue eyes appealed with all proper deference to the
Squire.
'Won't you come?'
He shook his head.
'I'm tired of timber. Do what you like. I'll sit here and read till
you come back.'
Sir Henry's shrug was perceptible, but he held his peace, and the
three walked away. The Squire, finding a seat on a fallen tree, took
a book out of his pocket and pretended to read it.
'Nobody can be as important as Chicksands looks!' he said to himself
angrily.
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