“Yes, yes, but do not wait for anything! Can you reach Andover⁠—in time?”

“I reach Andover tonight,” was the grim answer. “And you, sir? You know the road?”

“I will find out. Only go, Mr. Carr! Do not waste time, I implore you!”

Jack struggled into his riding coat, clapped his hat on to his head, and with his Grace of Andover’s sword tucked beneath his arm, went down the stairs three and four at a time, and hurried out on to the drive, where the groom stood waiting with Jenny’s bridle over his arm. Carstares cast a hasty glance at the girths and sprang up. The mare sidled and fidgeted, fretting to be gone, but was held in with a hand of iron while her master spoke to the groom.

“You must drive Mr. Beauleigh to Andover Court as fast as you can. It is a matter of life and death. You know the way?”