Yorke is
sure to be in."
Hamish came to the door, halting on its first step, and looking out
over Arthur's shoulder. He drew his head in again with a sudden
movement.
"Is not that old Hopper down there?" he asked, in a whisper, the tone
sounding as one of fear.
Arthur turned his eyes on a shabby old man who was crossing the end of
the street, and saw Hopper, the sheriff's officer. "Yes, why?"
"It is that old fellow who holds the writ. He may be on the watch for
me now. I can't go out just yet, Arthur; I'll stay here till Yorke
comes back again."
He returned to the office, sat down and leaned his brow upon his hand.
A strange brow of care it was just then, according ill with the gay
face of Hamish Channing. Arthur, waiting for no second permission, flew
towards the cathedral as fast as his long legs would carry him. The
dean and chapter were preparing to leave the chapter-house as he tore
past it, through the cloisters. Three o'clock was striking. Arthur's
heart and breath were alike panting when he gained the dark stairs. At
that moment, to his excessive astonishment, the organ began to peal
forth.
Seated at it was Mr. Williams; and a few words of explanation ensued.
The organist said he should remain for the service, which rendered
Arthur at liberty to go back again.
He was retracing his steps underneath the elm-trees in the Boundaries
at a slower pace than he had recently passed them, when, in turning a
corner, he came face to face with the sheriff's officer.
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