And this is how he poisoned him. "Oh," said he, "Neville has bought the grey nag; and cost him dear, it did." Griffith gave a sigh of relief; for he at once concluded old Peyton had sold his daughter's very horse. He resolved to buy her a better next week with Mr. Charlton's money. But Galton, who was only playing with him, went on to explain that Neville had paid a double price for the nag; he had given Miss Peyton his piebald horse in exchange, and his troth into the bargain. In short, he lent the matter so adroit a turn, that the exchange of horses seemed to be Kate's act as much as Neville's, and the inference inevitable. "It is a falsehood," gasped Griffith. "Nay," said Galton, "I had it on the best authority: but you shall not quarrel with me about it; the lady is nought to me, and I but tell the tale as 'twas told to me." "Then who told it you?" said Gaunt, sternly. "Why it is all over the county, for that matter." "No subterfuges, sir. I am the lady's servant, and you know it: this report, it slanders her, and insults me: give me the author, or I'll lay my hunting whip on your bones." "Two can play at that game," said Galton; but he turned pale at the prospect of the pastime. Griffith strode towards him, black with ire. Then Galton stammered out: "It was Neville himself told me." "Ah!" said Griffith; "I thought so. He is a liar, and a coward." "I would not advise you to tell _him_ so," said the other, maliciously: "he has killed his man in France. Spitted him like a lark." Griffith replied by a smile of contempt. "Where is the man?" said he, after a pause. "How should I know?" asked Galton, innocently. "Where did you leave him five minutes ago?" Galton was dumbfoundered at this stroke; and could find nothing to say. And now, as often happens, the matter took a turn not in the least anticipated by the conspirators. "You must come with me, sir, if you please," said Griffith, quietly: and he took Galton's arm. "Oh, with all my heart," said the other; "but, Mr. Gaunt, do not you take these idle reports to heart. _I_ never do. What the devil--where are you carrying me to? For Heaven's sake, let this foolish business go no farther." For he found Griffith was taking him to the very room where Neville was. Griffith deigned no reply: he just opened the door of the room in question, and walked the tale-bearer into the presence of the tale-maker. George Neville rose and confronted the pair with a vast appearance of civility; but under it a sneer was just discernible. The rivals measured each other from head to foot, and then Neville inquired to what he owed the honor of this visit. Griffith replied: "He tells me you told him Miss Peyton has exchanged horses with you."--"Oh! you indiscreet person," said George, shaking his finger playfully at Galton.--"And, by the same token, has plighted her troth to you." "Worse and worse," said George. "Galton, I'll never trust you with any secrets again. Besides, you exaggerate."