Ah! well, I should like to know, what has become of that poor gentleman." "I can relieve your honest heart about him. Mr. Aram is living in--, well off in the world, and universally liked; though he still keeps to his old habits of reserve." "Ay, indeed, Sir! I have not heard any thing that pleased me more this many a day." "Pray," said Walter, after a moment's pause, "do you remember the circumstance of a Mr. Clarke appearing in this town, and leaving it in a very abrupt and mysterious manner?" "Do I mind it, Sir? Yes, indeed. It made a great noise in Knaresbro'-- there were many suspicions of foul play about it. For my part, I too had my thoughts, but that's neither here nor there;" and the old man recommenced weeding with great diligence. "My friend," said Walter, mastering his emotion; "you would serve me more deeply than I can express, if you would give me any information, any conjecture, respecting this--this Mr. Clarke. I have come hither, solely to make inquiry after his fate: in a word, he is--or was--a near relative of mine!" The old man looked wistfully in Walter's face. "Indeed," said he, slowly, "you are welcome, Sir, to all I know; but that is very little, or nothing rather. But will you turn up this walk, Sir? it's more retired. Did you ever hear of one Richard Houseman?" "Houseman! yes. He knew my poor--, I mean he knew Clarke; he said Clarke was in his debt when he left the town so suddenly." The old man shook his head mysteriously, and looked round. "I will tell you," said he, laying his hand on Walter's arm, and speaking in his ear-- "I would not accuse any one wrongfully, but I have my doubts that Houseman murdered him." "Great God!" murmured Walter, clinging to a post for support. "Go on-- heed me not--heed me not--for mercy's sake go on." "Nay, I know nothing certain--nothing certain, believe me," said the old man, shocked at the effect his words had produced: "it may be better than I think for, and my reasons are not very strong, but you shall hear them. "Mr. Clarke, you know, came to this town to receive a legacy--you know the particulars." Walter impatiently nodded assent.