Albert and his father stepped forward after their guide. In a moment another door opened, from which issued a stream of light, and they found themselves in the presence of Sir Frederick Hartleton, the magistrate, the terror of highwaymen; several of whom he had himself captured on Hounslow and Barnes’ Commons. He rose courteously on the entrance of the Seytons, and invited them to be seated. Before they could speak, he said rapidly,— “Gentlemen, I trust you will not take any offence at my saying that my time is very much occupied, and begging you to be brief.” “The time of public affairs, sir,” said Mr. Seyton, “should never be heedlessly wasted. Do you know a man named Gray?” “Gray—Gray?” repeated Sir Frederick Hartleton. “No, sir, I do not.” “There exists, however, a man of that name, who, without authority, keeps prisoner a young girl, if he has not destroyed her.” “Where is he?” “That, sir, we do not know.” “Where is the girl?” “We are equally ignorant.” “What’s her name?” “Ada.” “Ada what?” “I know not, sir.” “You do not bring me many particulars,” said the magistrate. “What do you wish me to do?” “In this man Gray’s possession, sir,” added Mr. Seyton, “is a sealed packet carefully addressed to you.” “Indeed!” “Yes—and with a superscription attached, that is only to be forwarded to you, should he, Gray, be absent from home without note or message for a certain time.” “Then you may depend that this Mr. Gray has found his way home in good time, for I have received no such packet.” “We,” continued Mr. Seyton, “from once living in the same house with her, have warmly interested ourselves in the fate of the girl, who is as virtuous and amiable as she is beautiful.” “Is this Gray in London?” “We believe he is. He has twice shifted his residence, to ensure the better concealment of the girl.” “There is most probably some crime at the bottom of this business,” said Sir Frederick; “but I cannot help you. If you can find the girl, I will of course grant a warrant to bring Gray here, for keeping her a prisoner without her will. At the same time, you had better tell me the minutest particulars as rapidly as you conveniently can.” Mr. Seyton then related all that he knew of Ada and Gray, comprising what he had gathered from Albert, and comprehending the meeting in the park, and the particulars which Ada had related of the midnight attack upon Gray’s house. “What names were mentioned accidentally or otherwise, during all this business?” “But two, sir,” said Albert. “Ada told me in the park that one of the men who sought the life of Gray was called by him Britton!” “Britton?” said Sir Frederick. “Are you quite sure that was the name?” “Quite.” “I do know that name!” “You—you do, sir!” exclaimed Albert, with sudden animation—“Then you will save her!” “Oh—you are in love with this imprisoned young lady,” said Sir Frederick, with a smile. Albert drew back, abashed.