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Updated: June 14, 2025
Thoughts such as seldom troubled him were passing through his mind when he saw a man approaching him from the direction of Hurlston. As the stranger drew near he recognised Miles Gaffin. The miller coming up to him slapped him on the shoulder and sat down close to him, and in the frank hearty tone he often assumed, said "How fares it with you, Jacob? Why, lad, you look somewhat out of sorts."
On his way back he met Mr Groocock, and begging the steward to accompany him, mentioned what he had heard about Gaffin. "The man is a mystery to me, Captain Headland. I believe him to be all you have heard. But he has possession of the mill, and until his lease is up the law will not allow us to turn him out.
"He is the man, I doubt not, who murdered the steward. Let some of your men accompany me, and follow him with the rest." The sergeant gave the order as Harry requested, and half the men continued on with Harry towards Downside, while Gaffin was seen to be making by the nearest road for the mill.
Mr Groocock thought he had kept his arrangements secret, or he would scarcely have ventured to ride about the country by himself. Gaffin was now constantly at the mill, and the steward knowing the man's desperate character, might justly have feared that he would revenge himself on his head.
The funeral guests were dispersing with the exception of those of higher position, who had been invited by the young baronet to partake of a breakfast provided at the hall. As Adam and his party were making their way back to Hurlston, Miles Gaffin, mounted on the powerful horse he usually rode, galloped by apparently not observing the suspicious glances which were cast at him as he passed.
"Very likely, my good woman, and all very well at present; but the day will come when she will require schooling and clothing, and I suppose you had not time to bring much property belonging to her on shore, Adam Halliburt?" said Gaffin, in an inquiring tone.
It is disagreeable for a man in my position to have his character belied in this way." "We certainly heard a story from a mad woman, but she spoke in a way which led us to suppose she described an actual occurrence," said Headland. "From what you say I conclude you are Mr Gaffin who addressed me last night." "The same at your service, Captain Headland.
Mr Groocock had, in the meantime, received authority from Sir Ralph to use force in expelling Miles Gaffin from the mill should he refuse to give it up, and the steward had taken steps effectually to execute his orders. He also had applied for the assistance of the military to carry them out. The day was approaching when Gaffin's lease of the mill would terminate.
Miles Gaffin had long been absent from Hurlston, though he still retained possession of the mill, which was kept going under charge of Dusty Dick.
"I have no wish to interfere, and have no intention of doing so," answered Harry. "I must again say good morning, sir." "You are willing to see an act of injustice done without any desire to prevent it," said Gaffin. "I do not believe that Mr Groocock would commit an act of injustice, and I consider it impertinent in you to infer that Sir Ralph Castleton acts unjustly."
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