Landless. You'll find a friend waiting for you, at the high road -
gone ahead by the other way when we split into two parties - and
you had much better say nothing till you come up with him. Bring
that stick along, somebody else, and let's be moving!'
Utterly bewildered, Neville stared around him and said not a word.
Walking between his two conductors, who held his arms in theirs, he
went on, as in a dream, until they came again into the high road,
and into the midst of a little group of people. The men who had
turned back were among the group; and its central figures were Mr.
Jasper and Mr. Crisparkle. Neville's conductors took him up to the
Minor Canon, and there released him, as an act of deference to that
gentleman.
'What is all this, sir? What is the matter? I feel as if I had
lost my senses!' cried Neville, the group closing in around him.
'Where is my nephew?' asked Mr. Jasper, wildly.
'Where is your nephew?' repeated Neville, 'Why do you ask me?'
'I ask you,' retorted Jasper, 'because you were the last person in
his company, and he is not to be found.'
'Not to be found!' cried Neville, aghast.
'Stay, stay,' said Mr. Crisparkle. 'Permit me, Jasper. Mr.
Neville, you are confounded; collect your thoughts; it is of great
importance that you should collect your thoughts; attend to me.'
'I will try, sir, but I seem mad.'
'You left Mr. Jasper last night with Edwin Drood?'
'Yes.'
'At what hour?'
'Was it at twelve o'clock?' asked Neville, with his hand to his
confused head, and appealing to Jasper.
Pages:
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229