Chapter 26

But at the end of a week Lance reappeared. He found the Venerable at his post in front of the brass gong. “Sorry, grandpater—but the car has been laid up.” John Pybus’s very blue eyes filled with little glimmers of light. “Thought I’d frightened you.” “No. You gave me something to think about. Shall I wait here?” Old Pybus pulled out his watch. “A quarter past four. I shall be free in five minutes. Go down to the cottage, and start the kettle.” “Right, grandpater.” Miss Vallence was leaning forward over her desk wi…