CHAPTER 81
Walter Vanstead and Standish were the only members of the household who appeared at tea time, and Standish poured out tea with a prim precision which amused the older man.
“Thanks. You do it as to the manner born, Standish. Is my niece still out?”
“No, she came in some time ago, slightly the worse for wear. Young Alan overate, and was sick.”
“Loathsome child! He’s the dead spit of his father. Gerald was always being sick,” said Walter Vanstead disgustedly. “I saw Alan in Abbot’s Wood a few hours ago, and promptly retired in the other direction. That badger set you’ve been marking is deserted, Standish. The brutes have all moved over to the quarry end.”
“Oh no, they haven’t,” replied Standish. “They’re still there all right. I’m going out tonight, to get some photographs. I
