"I did," said Boldwood, "and here they are—fifty sovereigns." He handed Troy a small packet.
"You have everything ready—it seems that you calculated on my accepting them," said the sergeant, taking the packet.
"I thought you might accept them," said Boldwood.
"You've only my word that the programme shall be adhered to, whilst I at any rate have fifty pounds."
"I had thought of that, and I have considered that if I can't appeal to your honour I can trust to your—well, shrewdness we'll call it not to lose five hundred pounds in prospect, and also make a bitter enemy of a man who is willing to be an extremely useful friend."
"Stop, listen!" said Troy in a whisper.
A light pit-pat was audible upon the road just above them.
"By George—'tis she," he continued. "I must go on and meet her."
"She—who?"
"Bathsheba."
"Bathsheba—out alone at this time o' night!" said Boldwood in amazement, and starting up. "Why must you meet her?"
"She was expecting me to-night—and I must
