An arm shot forward. The Professor's plug fell to the ground, and the next instant a red wig was swung aloft in the moonlight. "Ha! I thought so. You are the man I seek--" The speaker's words were cut off suddenly. CHAPTER V. ELLISTON'S REBUFF. A mad cry fell from the lips of the Professor when he felt himself unceremoniously scalped. The next instant his right hand drew forth a gleaming knife. "Oh! Ah! MURDER!" A dark form went backward over the dock; a splash followed, and the Professor stood alone. He peered into the muddy water to note the fact that it flowed on calmly as before. Then Ruggles picked up his hat and wig, and readjusted them on his head. "My soul! that was a narrow escape." At this moment another form was seen approaching, and the Professor, deeming it prudent to move away, was soon striding from the spot, his tall form disappearing in the shadows before the third person reached the edge of the dock. * * * * * On the day following the events last narrated, a man ran up the steps at the Darrel cottage in Woodburg, and rang the bell. Nell answered, and met the gentlemanly Mr. Elliston. She led the way at once to a room opening from the hall, where preparations had been made for a lunch. "Where is Dyke?" questioned the gentleman the moment he was seated. "I haven't seen him since he left for Chicago to look into the express robbery," returned Nell. "Haven't you met him?" "No. Strange he did not write if he meant to be gone long," remarked Elliston. "You were about to dine, I see." "Yes; will you keep me company?" "With pleasure." "I thought Dyke would be with me ere this," proceeded Nell, as they discussed the edibles. "When he goes for a long stay she usually drops me a line." After the lunch, Mr. Elliston left his chair and crossed the room to glance from the window, at the same time plucking at his short beard in an apparently nervous manner. Nell was on the point of removing the ware from the table, when Mr. Elliston turned suddenly, and resumed his seat at the table. "Sit down, Nell, I wish a word with you." The girl sank once more into a chair, wondering what was coming. Laying both hands on her shoulders, Harper Elliston looked her in the eyes and said: "You must have guessed the object of my visit to-day, Nellie Darrel." She blushed under his gaze, and looked away nervously. "N--oo, I can't say that I do. I suppose you came to see my brother." "Not so. It is you I wished to see, Nell. Why have I come here so often? I know you must have guessed before this. I love you, dear girl, and want you to be mine--" He could say no more then, for Nell Darrel started sharply to her feet, pressing her hands to her burning face. "No, no, not that." she murmured. "I never suspected that, Mr. Elliston."