"Oh, he has gone away!" "What did he wish to see you about?" "He had heard that I accused him of taking the devil-stick," explained Maurice, "and came here to exculpate himself." "Well! And did he do so?" "Yes, he is quite innocent. He did not take the devil-stick." "Then who did?" Maurice paused, reflected, and looked anxiously at Jen. "I'll tell you that to-morrow," he said, after a pause. "Why not to-night?" asked Jen, sharply. "Because I have a suspicion, which I can not prove at present. Battersea gave me a hint, upon which I am determined to work. To-night I may learn the truth." "From whom?" "Don't ask me. Uncle Jen; I can't answer you yet." Jen frowned, then laughed. "Well, just as you please," he said, raising his eyebrows, "but you are as mysterious as David." "Why, what about David?" "Only this, that he has gone up to town without bidding me good-by, save in this short note. I can't understand such conduct." "Nor I," said Maurice, stretching out his hand. "Please let me read the note. Uncle Jen. I wish to see precisely how it is worded." The note which the major handed over was curt to the verge of rudeness. It merely stated that the writer had gone to London for a couple of days on business, and would be back as soon as possible. No explanation of what the business might be was given. Maurice did not wonder than Jen was annoyed at receiving such a missive from one whom he regarded in the light of a son; but in handing it back to the major he excused the writer. "The fact is David has not been quite himself since this trouble about Isabella," he said, gravely, "and he thinks it best to go away for a time. You know how he tortures himself over trifles." "Egad, this love business of you two young men is getting to be anything but a trifle," said Jen, testily. "What between the lot of you and Etwald, there seems to be nothing but trouble. I wish you'd marry the girl, Maurice, and have done with it." "Perhaps I may settle affairs sooner than you think," said Alymer, rising. "Uncle Jen, I won't be back to dinner to-night, as I have to go into Deanminster." "What about?" "Business connected with the devil-stick and Isabella." "H'm! You are pleased to be mysterious. Why not tell me your business?" "Because I may fail," said Maurice. "Here, Uncle Jen, don't be cross; I'll tell you all about it to-morrow, and then you will see and approve of my silence to-night." "Well," said Jen, with a shrug, "you are old enough to guide your own actions. But I must say that I don't like to be shut out of the confidence of my two boys in this way." "You'll know everything to-morrow.' "About David also?" "Perhaps I can even promise you that!" said Maurice, with a smile. "What!" cried Jen, "do you know why David has gone to town?" "Not for certain; but I can guess. Now, Uncle Jen, I shan't answer another question just now, as I must go into Deanminster." "Will you take the dogcart?" "No; I'll walk." "Walk--in evening dress?"