“I think I understand. Do your friends know that there is another Mr. Randolph Hay and his—lady expected at the Hall to-day?” “Oh, yes, sir,” exclaimed the giant, now bursting into a storm of laughter, which had to have its full vent before he could go on with his words. “Yes, sir. The bailiff came there an hour ago, full of importance, to announce the fact. He was somewhat amazed to find the young squire and his wife already in possession. But they are quite ready for the reception of the newcomers, sir, and that is the entertainment I anticipate. Here, sir, is a letter the young squire has intrusted to me to hand you.” The minister took the missive, broke the seal and read: “HAYMORE HALL, December 15, 18—. “TO THE REV. JAMES CAMPBELL, Reverend and Dear Sir: Although I have not the honor of your personal acquaintance, yet I have heard enough of you to engage my sympathies and compel my respect. Therefore, I hope that you will forgive me for asking you to do me the favor to come this evening to the Hall to discuss with me the subject of the living of Haymore, which it is my privilege and pleasure to offer you, in the hope that you may do me the honor to accept it. May I presume, also, to ask you to waive ceremony, and bring your wife and daughter with you on this occasion? I have a special reason for this request, which, when you shall have heard from me, you will find to be perfectly satisfactory. “I have the honor to be, reverend sir, “Very respectfully yours, RANDOLPH HAY.” The curate rushed out of the study and into the room where his wife sat sewing in an avalanche of infirm linen and exclaimed: “Hetty, we need never leave the rectory! I have got the Haymore living! Read that, and thank the Lord!” CHAPTER XVII A MEMORABLE JOURNEY Yes, it was true! Randolph Hay, the rightful heir, was in full possession of Haymore. He had also entered into his estate with much more ease than could have been anticipated either by himself, his friends or his lawyers. To explain how this happened, a brief summary of events is necessary. It will be remembered that Ran Hay, with his young bride, Judy, and a small party of friends, sailed on November the 29th from New York by the steamship _Boadicea_, hound for Liverpool. Ran, Judy and Will Walling had staterooms in the first cabin; Mike, Dandy and Longman had berths in the second cabin.