s as quickly as possible. That place
must be searched."

The two men started at once, and the rector, after an apology, began to
put on his boots once more.

"I promised to go or send word to the Manor," said the doctor, "but I
feel as if I had not the heart to go."

"To tell Mrs Lee, sir?" said Distin, quickly.

"Yes, to say that we are all going to search for Vane," said the doctor,
"but not what we suspect."

"I understand," said Distin, quickly; and, as if glad to escape, he
hurried out of the room, and directly after they heard the closing of
the outer door, and his steps on the gravel as he ran.

CHAPTER TWENTY.

NO NEWS.

"Distin seems curiously agitated and disturbed," said the doctor.

"Yes: he is a nervous, finely-strung youth," replied the rector. "The
result of his birth in a tropical country. It was startling, too, his
being fetched down from bed to hear such news."

"Of course--of course," said the doctor; and preparations having been
rapidly made by the rector, who mustered three lanterns, one being an
old bull's-eye, they all started.

"Better go down as far as the church, first, and collect our forces.
Then we'll make a start for the moor. But who shall we have for guide?"

"Perhaps I know the place best," said the doctor; and they started in
silence, passing down the gravel drive, out at the gate, and then along
the dark lane with the lights dancing fitfully amongst the trees and
bushes on either side, and casting curiously weird shadows behind.

As they reached the road, Macey, who carried one lantern, held it high
above his head and shouted.

"Hush--hush!" cried the doctor, for the lad's voice jarred upon him in
the silence.

"Distin's coming, sir," said Macey.

There was an answering hail, and then the _pat-pat_ of steps, as Distin
trotted after and joined them.

By the time the church was reached, there was plenty of proof of Vane's
popularity, for lanterns were dancing here and there, and lights could
be seen coming from right up the street, while a loud eager buzz of
voices reached their ears. Ten minutes after the doctor found himself
surrounded by a band of about forty of the townsfolk, everyone of whom
had some kind of lantern and a stick or pole, and all eager to go in
search of the missing lad.

Rounds the miller was one of the foremost, and carried the biggest
lantern, and made the most noise. Chakes the sexton, was there, too,
with his lantern--a dim, yell