At Haverton everything shaped well. Picton asked Rita to be his wife and she consented. They were very happy, Dick rejoiced exceedingly, Captain Ben was pleased, Brack congratulated them in his quaint way before he returned to Torquay. "I'll give you The Rascal for a wedding present," said Dick. "I hope he'll win the National for you." "He will have a good chance," said Picton. "It is a very welcome gift." "I think you and Rita will be happy," Dick said. "We shall, and when she is mistress here there will be a delightful change for the better," said Picton. "I hope there will be no collision between Rita and Mrs. Yeoman," laughed Dick. "No fear of that. She is very fond of Rita; she told me so, said she was very pleased I was going to marry her." "Then that's all right," said Dick. He and his sister remained a week longer, then returned to Torwood; Rita and Picton were to be married from there early in the New Year. Dr. Elroy came from Doncaster for a few days' shooting. Picton liked him, so did Captain Ben. The doctor was an excellent shot, and accounted for many brace of grouse; he also showed some knowledge of horses, which at once ensured Brant's good opinion. It was during the doctor's stay Picton received a letter from his brother, containing an enclosure. Both astonished him immensely, and small wonder. He read them carefully twice, and decided that Hector's wishes should be obeyed. These were to the effect that Picton should read them to Captain Ben, Sir Robert Raines, and any other persons he thought desirable should know the truth. Picton decided Dr. Elroy should join them when he read the letter. Sir Robert received a hasty summons to Haverton. "Wonder what's in the wind now," he said. "A trial I expect," said his wife. "You and Mr. Woodridge think of nothing but horses." "I have had a communication I wish you to hear," said Picton. "I have heard from my brother." "Hector!" exclaimed Sir Robert. "Yes. He is alive and well. He knows you are to be trusted; he wished you to hear all he has written. You will be surprised to learn William Rolfe is Hector." "Good heavens!" exclaimed Sir Robert. "Do you know, Picton, my boy, I thought he resembled him, but of course I had no idea he was Hector. It's wonderful; how did he get away?" Picton gave him an account of Hector's escape and how he boarded the _Sea-mew_, and all that followed. "The strangest part of the story is better told in his own words," said Picton. "I wish you, Captain Ben, and Dr. Elroy to hear it." Sir Robert was lost in wonder at such strange happenings. When they were all seated in Picton's study he asked them to promise to keep everything secret, which they readily did, when he explained whom the communication was from.