CHAP. XXXIV.

WHAT WAS DONE AT HARBY HALL.

I woke rather late next morning, and hastened my dressing in the expectation of hearing from Barbara some news of what had occurred. It was as I supposed-Harby Hall had been visited by burglars. If Barbara knew more she did not tell it, perhaps because I have sometimes inclined to check her gossip.

I had finished breakfast, and was about seeking Lance in the garden for fuller information, when I was gratified by the sight of Alfred Merrivale at my gate. I could not but contrast his animated, cheerful aspect with that he had borne three weeks before, and rejoiced to think circumstances had so roused his spirit. "I am a very early visitor, Mrs. Gainsborough," he said, as he shook hands; "but I hope you will excuse me, for I suppose you must have heard the bell last night, and wish to know what has occurred ?"

"Very good of you to come."

66 'I assure you I have quite enjoyed the walk," Alfred continued; "for, though I have been remarkably comfortable in all other respects, I have not been at liberty to leave Harby Hall." "All right?" I asked; nobody hurt? no robbery?"

"All right," he answered; "and two of the men taken."

"Is the man with the doubtful complexion

One?"

"I am happy to say he is, and that I had the satisfaction of being his captor. It was a great satisfaction, for I could not feel certain others would be as convinced as myself of his identity with your acquaintance. The man went on very discreetly, and, though on Sunday we were almost certain he was in the house, the little terrier giving notice of some such fact, we could not detect him. The chamber I slept in opened near the foot of the upper staircase, and each time I passed I used to look to the rope of the alarm-bell. It is of crimson silk, and was passed from the turret, which is directly over the great staircase, through fixed rings, down to the hall of entrance. Yesterday afternoon I noticed there was a stain

he

on the rope, so I mounted to the turret and began drawing it up to examine what could have produced it. The tassel catching in the ring on the first floor caused a slight strain; to my surprise it parted, and nearly the whole length of rope fell into the hall. Some strong acidaqua fortis, I think-had been applied to rot the silk within a few feet of the turret entrance. The women could not have reached it, nor could the bell have been rung, without climbing, by any one; for my next investigation showed that the lock of the turret chamber had been tampered with, and the key refused to turn. With Truscot's assistance I spliced the rope, and then went to inform General Wetheral. The old soldier was highly delighted, and declared we should have them all yet, if we did not let the women spoil all by ringing the bell too soon. Blucher, the mastiff, has been under the special care of the coachman. His master, being of opinion, that unless Judkins poisoned him, the attack would not be made while was on guard without, had ordered him into the house, and given him the range of the ground-floor. The principal rooms are all on the first floor, except, indeed, the large entrance-hall which contains the staircase, and runs, with galleries round, a story higher, As you enter the library lies to the right, the drawing-room to the left, each having antichambers opening on the gallery. It was usual for myself and General Wetheral to sit up together in the library until three o'clock in the morning, Truscot also being up. When closed our watch the two men-servants entered on theirs. This night they were directed to be in readiness, one only sleeping at a time. In general they were both asleep before the hour the attack was made, and perhaps that fact was have known by the groom, so they may supposed they had only to expect immediate resistance from the mastiff, and two infirm old men: they might not have come off very well, though, with two old men, so resolute and accustomed to the use of arms. I have spent really pleasant hours, night after night, with the General; he has been altogether kind to me, and is very entertaining company. I have often heard that cowardice is infectious, and I think the same may be said of its reverse.

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paigning stories told me seemed to give a sort of zest to the situation in which I found myself. In the view of Harby Hall you had from the park you must have seen that a stone balcony runs nearly from back to front; it is before the drawing-room windows, and we had some reason to think that a tree growing near might have been the means of affording Judkins wherewithal to swing into the balcony the time he entered the house. The groom, you understand, calls himself Charles Judkins, but the General, alluding to his change of complexion, commonly speaks of him as my friend chiaroscuro. The attack was a very sudden one, and, as there were five men in the attacking party, it is possible that, but for the alarm-bell, they might have carried out the purpose of their visit. It was a little before eleven o'clock, General Wetheral was describing to me the costume of one of the hill tribes, and I was making an attempt to draw it from his description, when the skye-terrier in the gallery barked, and was joined by Blucher's deep tones. The same moment we heard a crash, and Truscot, who had been reading in the antechamber, opened the door and said, "The drawing-room, sir.' Before we were across the gallery I heard Mrs. Rowley's voice, screaming to Dawlish and the coachman, and was aware of something white flitting on the staircase above. Not yet, not yet-Mrs. Rowley!' the old General cried; but it was too late; the alarm-bell was sounding over the country. When we entered the drawing-room we were only in time to catch sight of two of the men as they were dropping over the balustrade of the balcony. The General sent a shot after one, apparently without effect, but I was enabled to descend by means of a rope they had left, and picking out; the one among the runaways who appeared most like 'my friend Chiaroscuro,' kept as near to his heels as I could. I think I ran him a mile about the park, and once was near being knocked down, by mistake, for one of the burglars; but I grappled with the man at last, and, as he was a little more out of breath than myself, I got the mastery. Another of the men was seen getting over the park wall by one of the Dingleton lads, and pursued, but he showed pistols, and would probably have got off if the police had not been on the alert. He was taken by thein, in rather a sudden manner, an hour later, and has been recognized by his first pursuer."

"Was the groom armed?" I asked.

"Yes, but so was I; and the advantage was on my side, for it would have lessened his chance of escape from others had a pistol been fired."

I offered my hearty congratulations on his safety and achievement, and Alfred further informed me there had been a grand find of the burglars implements of industry in the garden. He had been to the General's room with the information just before he left, and had also to tell him of the capture of the other man. He was pleased to find some greater result than had

first appeared likely, and poor Mrs. Rowley no less so, for she had caught a good scolding from her master for her precipitancy." In conclusion, I heard that General Wetheral had requested Alfred to convey his compliments to all the members of the party from which Mrs. Wellwood had deserted, and to request their attendance at Harby Hall half-an-hour before one, when the examinations would take place. He undertook to arrange that we might be present without inconvenience, and particularly wished Miss Dalziel might come, as he hoped she might recognize the men. I offered to send Lance with a note to Darliston Hall immediately, and Alfred Merrivale departed, intending to proceed to Cedar Lawn and Mr. Littington's. Helen had no difficulty in obtaining leave of absence on this occasion. She came riding down to me about noon, very desirous of particulars as to what had occurred, and I put her in possession of the facts as they had been recounted to me. Then Paddy was saddled, and we went together to Harby Hall.

We were received by the housekeeper, and shown to the library, where General Wetheral gave us a courteous welcome, and we found ourselves among friends, all the strawberryfeast party being there with the exception of Mrs. Ainslie and Alice. Alfred Merrivale was not present on our entrance. The General, as if aware I was especially interested, mentioned his conduct with great praise; saying to me, "He should have been a soldier-" a high compliment from one so well able to judge of the qualities requisite to sustain the name. We were still speaking of him, when the youth entered with a quick step and a look of some excitement.

“Mr. M‘Kinnom is here," he said; “I have ust seen him enter with my brother; but there is also one with them whose presence indeed does surprise me-Mr. Witham!"

Certainly the company present participated in this surprise. Helen and I exchanged looks almost of consternation at his transcendent

assurance.

"What!" said the General; "the pseudo Witham or the true man ?"

"The same person Mrs. Gainsborough hindered from making a study of your staircase, by hinting his identity with one of the Black Band; the same person I once came upon in conversation with "Chiaroscuro." There he is in the hall, leaning on the bannisters of the stair, toying with the tassel of the alarm-bell and chatting to Mr. M'Kinnom."

"We must not frighten him away too soon," said General Wetheral; "but we must have Kean in and consult what should be done."

The inspector came, and advised that Alfred Merrivale should abstain from declaring his recognition of the man Judkins at the present stage of proceedings, since he was certain to be committed, and it seemed desirable that Witham should not be aware how he stood.

We were now conducted to the dining-room, a handsome apartment adjoining the library. Seats were ranged for us near a window. Mr.

Grey and another magistrate sat at the head of the table. When we were in our places the door at the other end of the room was opened, and the more general throng admitted to the side opposite to us. Among them came Mr. Witham, (I must still call him so), and with easy assurance placed himself directly in front of our party, and offered a bow, which only Alfred returned. I observed a slight difference in his appearance consequent on a something foreign in the cut of his clothes and the trimming of his moustache. He was speaking to Mr. M'Kinnom when the prisoners were brought in. His face was turned from them, and they must have been first aware of his presence by the sound of his voice. "Clear enough," I heard him say, in a distinct tone; and then he turned, as if suddenly attracted with the rest of the company, and appeared to scrutinize the captured burglars. Neither shewed any sign of recognition, but I perceived they sometimes glanced towards him."

The depositions were gone into; the men declined saying anything, and were, of course, committed. The case with each seemed indeed "clear enough."

We thought the business was now ended, but were mistaken. There had been in the course of the last examination a slight stir at the further end of the room; the police now brought forward a third man, who had been captured under very suspicious circumstances a few minutes before. As he appeared, Helen grasped my hand and uttered a faint exclamation. I saw her eyes turn quickly from the prisoner to Mr. Witham, and noticed a slight change pass over his countenance as her glance fell on him.

It was stated by a policeman that the person he had brought up had been taken into custody in the garden, not far from the spot where the housebreaking implements had been found. The constable in charge of the gate had not seen him enter, consequently it appeared he might have been in concealment in the grounds all night, and now intended passing out among others. This account, and what followed concerning him, I have almost copied from the report given by the Marsham Advertiser.

He gave his name as Richard Benson, farmer and horse-dealer, of Gillot's Quay, near Liverpool. Being asked by Mr. Harding (the magistrate) what he had to say for himself, he replied, in a confident tone, “It's easy for these fellows to set me down for what they want, but I'd as good a right to look at the place as others here, and I had a sort of curiosity to see how such a strong house as this had been got into. That's all about it."

"Does anyone present know the man?" asked Mr. Grey.

Helen rose, and advanced towards the table. "I yesterday reported to Mr. Kean," she said, "that I had been molested while riding the evening before on Gatton Marsh. That is the man, who, apparently in concert with three others near the ruined huts by the sea, hemmed

in my passage; so that, to be free from them, I had to leap my mare across the cleft. I know nothing further of him." Helen drew back and sat down.

"This is not in your favour," observed Mr. Grey. "What did you mean by troubling the young lady ?"

"Oh, bless you, sir," the man replied, "I hadn't any ill intentions; I was only larking. I am sure I said nothing but what was civil and I knew nothing of the other men, bless you! Now did I, Miss, say anything but what was civil? I never meant to drive you to take that dare-devil leap, I'll take my oath !"

Helen spoke again. "You refused to move your horse from the only path by which I could return except that occupied by the three other men. You said you were a civil man, but your tone and bearing were insolent."

"Bless you, Miss, I didn't know who you was; and I ask your pardon if I offended you. You see, when high ladies ride out, they mostly take a groom with them; and how should Í know what you was? I thought to have a lark with you, that's all, and I'm sure I was laughing all the while!"

Mr. Grey asked what business had brought him to the neighbourhood.

"I had a horse to sell as I thought would suit a gentleman farmer out on the Marsh-Mr. Grant Wainwright. Not finding him at home, I took a turn to look at the sea, and that's how it was. I heard he'd be back from London tomorrow; so, as I'd still a chance of a deal, I thought I'd wait till then."

"Where did you pass last night?"

"Well, sir, I was on my way to the Ship Inn at Cardington, when I heard a bell ringing, and see people running; and I ran with them some way, expecting it was a fire, as they all seemed to think. Then, when I turned back, they'd shut up-at least I was told so-at the Ship; and I just got a berth in a barge; but they turned me out early, as they were on the move."

Mr. Harding wanted more particular information on this point, but the answer was that he had" got jolly" over-night, and could not give more particulars; but he dared say some of the men might be found to prove what he had said was true.

The magistrate then asked if any respectable person in the neighbourhood could testify to his character.

"I think there's a gentleman here as can, if he will," was the answer.

I guessed this was aimed at Witham. Would he take it up? Yes.

"It is not very likely," he began, "that any gentleman should be in a hurry to speak for you, Benson, after such disgraceful conduct as that you have confessedly been guilty of. You might have caused the death of that young lady; the cleft is a frightful leap; and, though I know and admire, as all do, Miss Dalziel's courage, I am sure she would not without reason have incurred so frightful a risk."

The man was about to interrupt, but Mr.

"Are you a resident in the neighbourhood?" inquired Mr. Harding.

"No; though not entirely unknown here, as I was visiting Mr. M'Kinnom a few months back. A little affair of business with Mr. Alfred Merrivale drew me here to-day. Certainly Mr. Grant Wainwright would be a fitter person to speak where he now present, as he is a resident, and his connections well-known here."

The police still insisting that the man could not have entered through the gateway without their observation, the magistrates determined on remanding him for further evidence.

Our party then retreated into the library, where the General's hospitality had provided refreshments for his visitors. Tongues that had held enforced silence were now released, and many comments made. The fact had occurred to all that no recognition bad been apparent between Mr. Witham and his "tenant;" but no one doubted young Merrivale's discernment had been correct. Mr. Littington had heard one of the police assert he was positive that man had been up before, for he had seen a photograph of him. Another had said he was like one he knew, but altogether darker.

Alfred left to join his brother and Mr. M'Kinnom, anticipating some conversation with Witham. I was pleased to hear General Wetheral say he hoped to see him before dinner-time, and that there could be no necessity for his leaving Harby Hall while his picture was unfinished. Mr. Littington was also invited to dine. He accompanied Helen and myself through the hall to assist us to mount and expressed much gratification at the part Alfred had played in the affair.

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Mr. Wainwright said that because he had acceded to one request that of allowing Lord St. George to be informed-there was to be no end of asking, until they took Helen away from him; but he should hold Mr. Mainwaring to the tenour of his engagement!

"Of course my grandfather is quite justified quite right," Helen said. "But it seems a long, long time to look forward to, that I must not even see him!"

Tears were in her eyes.

"Dear Helen," I said, "I doubt if your grandfather is quite justified in forbidding that. Certainly I do not know what the precise terms of understanding may have been; but, I think a regard for your happiness should cause him to concede that much, even if it is in his power to refuse it. Do not be down-hearted, dear; he may consent some time when in better humour.'

Helen shook her head rather sadly-" and there's Grant coming," she said.

"Do not think of that now: think, if we shall have our letters to-morrow."

The last despatch from Vienna had contained but one letter to Helen. Our correspondent was then expecting his mother's arrival. On Sunday morning I knew, by the size of the budget, there was one for each; but, as I was about starting for church, put it in my desk without opening. Helen accompanied me to Fairclough after service, and then our despatches were investigated. A glance at mine, which was long, induced a desire to read it alone; so, while Helen conned hers over, I made believe to be busier than I need. She concluded with a smile and a sigh.

"All right?" I questioned.

"Yes," she said, "he's all right. Both the ladies speak of me very affectionately, he tells me. They spoke of him very affectionately to me; but, somehow, I would rather one of them had nothing to say to either of us."

"Has Grant returned?" I asked, as Helen put up the letter.

"Yes, I hear he was at the Rood last-night, and suppose he will be with my grandfather this morning."

Helen left, and I ran up to my bed-room with my letter. Here it is:

"MY DEAR MRS. GAINSBOROUGH,-Never apologise to me for the length of your letters; their contents are very acceptable to me, even when, as in your last, you take me to task rather severely. My correspondence with you is one of the greatest comforts I have. Helen's dear letters are seldom long: I suppose it is natural that a degree of restraint, which may be attributed to a girl's timidity, should attend them. She does not tell me half enough about herself;