During the week The Rascal arrived at Haverton and the white-faced chestnut created a favorable impression. Picton found the same difficulty in mounting him, but once in the saddle all went well, and the way the horse took the stiffish fences on the Haverton schooling ground convinced the trainer there was a good race in him; but whether The Rascal was up to National form was another matter. Picton wrote to Dick Langford, stating The Rascal had arrived safely, and saying he wished he, Dick, had come with him. When Dick received this letter he said to his sister: "This is as good as an invitation. I'll avail myself of it and go down to Haverton for a few days. You don't mind, Rita?" "Indeed, no; I think Mr. Woodridge is a very good friend," she replied. "He is, and he'll make a very decent sort of brother-in-law," said Dick. "Don't be silly," said Rita, her cheeks glowing. "Is it silly? Not a bit of it--you know it's not. Picton's fond of you, and you're fond of him--that ends the matter. I wonder he hasn't asked you before." "Asked what?" "To be his wife." Rita laughed as she said: "I think you spoilt an opportunity when you called to us in the garden that night. You remember?" "Yes, I remember, and I also recollect I thought what a fool I was at the time," he said. Picton was glad when Dick Langford arrived at Haverton; it gave Ben a chance to go back to the _Sea-mew_ for a few days. Dick always enjoyed a visit here, and small wonder, for such a lovely place could not fail to attract. He was fond of horses and Brant Blackett liked him. "I hate showing a fellow round who pretends he knows a heap and knows nothing," said the trainer. "With Mr. Langford it's different; he's a very fair judge, and he's willing to learn; he's never cocksure about anything. He makes some shrewd remarks too, and he's clever--yes, I like Mr. Langford; there's grit in him." Mrs. Yeoman gave Dick the hall-mark of her approval. "He's a cheerful soul, not given to moping, and he's easily pleased; he always cheers Mr. Picton up, and he wants it at times--more than ever now," she thought. It had come as a shock to her when Picton told her Hector had escaped and was on board the _Sea-mew_. She wondered if he were safe there. Picton told her Hector would be so changed when he left the yacht that no one would recognize him, and that he would change his name. Hector Woodridge would be dead to the world. "Unless he can prove his innocence," he said. "Oh, I wish that could be done!" she said. "Some day I think it will come to pass. He's innocent, I'm sure of it. Do you know what I think, Mr. Picton?" "No; what is it?" "I believe Mrs. Elroy killed her husband." "Good heavens!" exclaimed Picton. "What makes you think that?" "I read every scrap of evidence at the trial. I am almost certain Mr. Hector was shielding her; he's just the sort." "If your surmise is correct his innocence will never come to light, because he will never betray her," said Picton.