Hawke's Tor by E. V. Thompson Page B

meaning.
    â€˜Well, we’ll do what little we can about finding her father,’ Amos said, ‘but we’ll need to be careful what we disclose about it. Colonel Trethewy would have an apoplectic fit if he thought we were concerned about a missing gypsy – especially with a murder hunt going on. If he had his way they would all disappear … permanently. The best idea might be to circulate a notice that we are trying to locate the whereabouts of Jed Smith, without giving a reason. Should Colonel Trethewy hear about it
we can always say we feel Smith might have some information that could help us with our enquiries.’
    â€˜What will you do about this gypsy girl in the meantime?’ Verity asked. ‘I agree with Tom that she is far too young and pretty to be left on her own.’
    â€˜She is,’ Tom declared, ‘but I’ve already suggested she should stay with her grandmother at her farmhouse on the moor, leaving a message in their wagon to tell her father where she is, but she wouldn’t hear of it. She intends staying at Slippery Hill until his return. That’s the way she feels at the moment, anyway.’
    â€˜ If he returns,’ Amos pointed out, grimly. ‘Despite what the girl has said there is always the possibility Jed Smith is involved in the murder of Kerensa Morgan and the disappearance of her baby. If so he’ll either not return at all, or end up on the scaffold if he does. Then his daughter will have to find somewhere else to live.’
    â€˜That’s all sheer speculation,’ Tom said, impatiently. ‘Let’s try to find him first. In the meantime I’d like your permission check on Zillah whenever I come this way.’
    Tom did not see Verity’s raised eyebrow, but Amos did. Nevertheless, he said, ‘Of course, and if Jed Smith does return we’ll need to have words with him. Now, I don’t suppose you have had time to check on either George Kendall or Jowan Hodge, so if Verity will excuse us for a short while we will do that now.’
    â€˜Of course,’ Verity said, ‘While you are doing that I will have a look around the church, it looks most interesting.’
    Â 
    The first house the two policemen visited was the home of George Kendall, ex-Trelyn gamekeeper turned miner, the
married man who was known to have had a tempestuous affair with Kerensa and who had made threats against her when she met Horace Morgan and brought an end to the affair.
    Kendall’s home was only a short distance from North Hill village and unlike the other cottages in the riverside hamlet his house had a garden that was unkempt and overgrown. When the two policemen reached the door it was opened to them by a thin, tired woman who looked as though she was weighed down by the cares of the world. She was also heavily pregnant.
    In answer to their question about whether her husband was at home, Martha Kendall replied, ‘No, I’m not expecting him until he’s drunk his pay away and that could be a long time. He and his mates have had a couple of good weeks and yesterday was settling day. He’ll be some landlord’s best friend until the money runs out.’
    â€˜Do you have any idea where he might be drinking: I understand he’s been barred from the Ring o’Bells in North Hill.’
    â€˜He’s been barred from most of the inns around here but a landlord is quick to offer forgiveness when a miner comes in with money on settling day – even him at the Ring o’ Bells. He’ll get more of my husband’s money than me and the kids will see, that’s certain.’
    â€˜Do you think that’s where he might be?’
    Martha Kendall made a gesture of helplessness. ‘Your guess is as good as mine – better, probably – but if you intend arresting him then do it before he’s spent all his earnings. The kids are crying out because they’re hungry and I’ve got