Recalling all this, with what Jack Wingate had just told him, connecting events together, and making comparison of time, place, and other circumstances, he thus interrogatively reflects:
"Might not that boat have been the same whose oars Jack heard down below? and the men in it those whose names he had mentioned? Three of them--that at least in curious correspondence? But the time? About nine, or a little after, as I passed Rugg's Ferry. That appears too early for the after event? No; they may have had other arrangements to make before proceeding to their murderous work. Odd, though, their knowing _she_ would be out there. But they need not have known that--likely did not. More like they meant to enter the house after every one had gone away, and there do the deed. A night different from the common, everything in confusion; the servants sleeping sounder than usual, from having indulged in drink--some of them overcome by it, as I saw myself before leaving. Yes; it's quite probable the assassins took all that into consideration--surprised, no doubt, to find their victim so convenient--in fact, as if she had come forth to receive them. Poor girl!"
All this chapter of conjectures has been to himself, and in sombre silence, at length broken by the voice of his boatman, saying,--
"You've come afoot, Captain; an' it be a longish walk to the town, most o' the road muddy. Ye'll let me row you up the river--leastways, for a couple o' miles further; then ye can take the footpath through Powell's meadows."
Roused as from a reverie, the Captain, looking out, sees they are nearly up to the boatman's cottage, which accounts for the proposal thus made. After a little reflection, he says in reply,--
"Well, Jack, if it wasn't that I dislike overworking you----"
"Don't mention it!" interrupts Jack. "I'll be only too pleased to take you all the way to the town itself, if ye say the word. It a'nt so late yet, but to leave me plenty of time. Besides, I've got to go up to the ferry, anyhow, to get some grocery for mother. I may as well do it in the boat--'deed better than dragglin' along them roughish roads."
"In that case I consent. But you must let me take the oars."
"No, Captain; I'd prefer workin' 'em myself, if it be all the same to you."