"I have seen him," I said unthinkingly. "I saw him amongst the people at Salter Quick's inquest."
The faintest shadow of an understanding glance passed between the two men, and Baxter's face grew stern.
"Just so!" he remarked. "That makes it all the more necessary to repeat my question. Who are you—both?"
"My name is Middlebrook, if you must know," I answered. "And I am not a resident of these parts—I am visiting here. As for this lady, she is Miss Raven, the niece of Mr. Francis Raven, of Ravensdene Court. And really—"
He waved his hand as if to deprecate any remonstrance or threat on my part, and bowed as politely to my companion as if I had just given him a formal introduction to her.
"No harm shall come to you, Miss Raven," he said, with evidently honest assurance. "None whatever!"
"Nor to Mr. Middlebrook, either, I should hope!" exclaimed Miss Raven, almost indignantly.
He smiled, showing a set of very white, strong teeth.
"That depends on Mr. Middlebrook," he said. "If Mr. Middlebrook behaves like a good and reasonable boy—Mr. Middlebrook," he went on, interrupting himself and turning on me with a direct look, "a plain question? Are you armed?"
"Armed!" I retorted scornfully. "Do you think I carry a revolver on an innocent country stroll?"
"We do!" he answered with another smile. "You
