"I heard there was a boy shot here yesterday." "A boy?" "A runaway." "One of our waiters brought down such a story last night. They are sharp after news of their own. I told him 'twas wholesome, if it turned out so. But this morning it comes that it was the man who was running him off that was shot. You'll hear all about it at the Jackson. If you come back this way, stop and give me a word. I can't leave." There were a number of men on the piazza of the Jackson House. Most of them had the air of habitual loungers; a few were evidently travellers newly arrived. Not a figure that even from a distance I could take for Harry Dudley. Some trunks and valises were waiting to be carried in, but I saw nothing familiar. I recognized the landlord in a man who was leaning against a pillar, smoking. He did not come forward, or even raise his eyes, when I rode up. I bade him good-morning, addressing him by name. He came forward a little,--bowed in answer to my salutation, but did not speak. "Is Mr. Dudley here?" Brompton did not reply. He threw out two or three puffs of smoke, then took the cigar from his lips and flung it from him. He looked serious, and, I thought, displeased. My misgivings returned. Had Harry incurred ill-will by some generous imprudence? Had he left the house, perhaps? Was the landlord afraid of being involved in his guest's discredit? He spoke at last, with effort. "Is your name ----?" "Colvil." He came down the steps and stood close to me, laying a hand on my horse's neck and stroking down his mane. "Mr. Colvil, I don't know that anybody is to blame; but an accident has happened here. I'm sorry to be the one to tell you of it." I dismounted. Brompton made several attempts at beginning, but stopped again. "You had some trouble in your town yesterday," I said; "can that in any way concern Mr. Dudley?" "Are you a near friend of his?" "Yes." "A relation?" "No." He went on with more assurance. "Mr. Dudley was here about a month ago. He had a sick boy with him, whom he left here, in a manner under my care. He was to have taken him away to-day. He arrived yesterday afternoon and asked me to send for the boy. I sent for him. Mr. Dudley was expecting you yesterday afternoon, and walked over to the Jefferson to see if there was any mistake.