"Not on your life, Bill," he responded. "All I know is that the beggar popped at me from the Allingham direction. And very nearly got me!" He paused and grasped me by the shoulder. "Considine Manor doesn't seem to be a health resort these days."
"Did you make any attempt to discover who it was?" I asked him.
"Well, for the moment I was too scared. When I did recover my presence of mind there wasn't a sign of anybody."
We reached the others. Sir Charles was bursting with indignation at this fresh outrage, but Lady Considine seemed more thankful at Jack's miraculous escape than upset at the shock. She fussed over him--mother-like.
"I suppose it's useless sending a search party out now?" fumed Sir Charles, "but by all the powers, I'll put Baddeley on to this in the morning!"
"Baddeley?" said a well-known voice. "What's Baddeley wanted for now?"
Sir Charles wheeled round quickly. His face lighted with relief.
"Another dastardly outrage, Bathurst! And in my own grounds, too!"
He proceeded to relate the incident. Anthony listened to him, gravely.
"Not more than a quarter of an hour ago, eh? I can't have missed it by much--I've just got back." He turned to Jack Considine.
Jack, assisted by Arkwright, retailed the whole story again.
"Come and show me the exact places you occupied when the shots were fired."
He accompanied Jack Considine along the path that led to the tennis courts.
"You walked straight along with Arkwright, you say?"
"I'll tell you when we come to the trees where he stopped to light up," replied Jack.
"Right," replied Anthony. "That's what I want you to."
They walked on. Then Considine stopped and pointed.
"Arkwright fell behind just here and sidled up to that tree for shelter."
Anthony walked to the tree. He looked round. "All in order, Considine," he shouted. "Here's the match he threw away."
"I don't think I shall have to trouble you for any more information. This time, I propose to show you where you were when you were shot at."
"What do you mean?" Jack Considine stared at him, incredulously.
They walked on for a short distance, Considine watching him curiously. Suddenly Anthony stopped and caught his companion by the arm.
"This is where you were when the first shot was fired. Approximately. Am I right?"