This unexpected letter disturbed the Squire not a little, as he had never in the least degree contemplated that any son of his would venture to disobey his commands. A brisk exchange of telegrams ensued, and Mr. Manwaring learned that beyond a doubt his son had disappeared. Inquiries were made through the police, but no intelligence as to his whereabouts was forthcoming. At last it was discovered that a young man named Thomas Brown, whose personal appearance was said to correspond with that of Wilfred, had taken a deck passage to Melbourne, Australia, on board the Trans-Atlantic Company’s steamer _Windsor Castle_, and had already gone on board, and sailed from Gravesend. The news that his son had actually started for the Antipodes had a curious effect upon the old man’s mind. At first he was disposed to be glad that he was so well and easily rid of the Disgrace of the Family, but yet, somehow, the intelligence filled his mind with doubt and fear. When he took measures to apprentice his son in some remote place in a Southern County, he probably, in his heart of hearts, desired him to be where, at some future and undefined time, he could ascertain that he was alive and well; but now that he was gone altogether beyond his ken, he began to doubt whether, after all, he had not been too precipitate. Some kind of natural affection may perhaps have begun to assert itself; but at any rate the Squire could not prevent the entrance of misgivings into his mind. The very fact that his son had dared to take an independent course, and one which was contrary to his express commands, suggested the question whether he was so undoubtedly guilty of the crime imputed to him as he had himself concluded him to be. What if, after all, that was the case? The Rector was right; he ought to have demanded and jealously sifted the evidence which incriminated a Manwaring, and cast so great a slur upon the Family. He would see Mr. Elthorne again; he would command the attendance of Dr. Massenger. Harassed by such conflicting views and miserable doubts as these, Mr. Manwaring was sitting one morning in his study, when he was aroused by the sound of wheels on the gravel outside. A violent ring at the door-bell ensued, and then the sound of an altercation was heard in the hall. Something extraordinary had evidently occurred, and at last Mr. Manwaring, unable to bear the suspense any longer, opened the door and looked out. Immediately he caught sight of the fat, burly form of Dr. Massenger, who was evidently labouring under great excitement, and vainly endeavouring to pass Pinfold, who, having received strict orders to deny everyone access to his master, was holding the visitor at bay. The Squire was struck by the coincidence of Dr. Messenger’s arrival at the very time when he was meditating the sending of a telegram to desire his presence, and uneasily led the way back into the library.