When Pennefather and his wife arrived they were in a great state of mind. By some inconceivable fatuousness the servants had given no notice to the police, consequently whoever had taken the child away had got a good start. Nevertheless the most strenuous efforts were made to discover the whereabouts of the child, and a considerable reward was offered for any information that would lead to his recovery. But everybody remained dumb. No tale nor tidings were forthcoming.
It was thought probable that a tribe of gipsies who had long been encamped on the common, might have had a hand in the business, and means were taken to find out if that was so; but the result was the exoneration of the gypsies from any suspicion. This of course increased the mystery, for it was difficult to suggest the obj
