“There’s your ghost,” he said mockingly.

“And how did he get across the dyke?” questioned another.

“Anyway, whoever it was won’t come back,” said Billy Bungey. “Come on, let’s chuck it.”

The little group moved away, one of them holding the restless hound, and Labar waiting till he heard the gate clang, dragged himself, sodden to the skin, from the ditch. The presence of the Alsatian at the house had complicated matters. If he was to achieve anything on this excursion it had to be dealt with. While it held its vigil within the precincts of the house he could scarcely hope to approach unnoticed.