"He then went into the parlour; and throwing himself down upon the sofa, commenced reading a magazine he had brought with him from Toronto. "'I thought he would miss the young lady,' said Grace. 'He has no idea how close she is to him at this moment. I wonder why I could not make him as good a cup of coffee as Hannah. I have often made it for him when he did not know it. But what is sweet from her hand, would be poison from mine. But I have had my revenge!' "Dinner time came, and out came the captain to the kitchen, book in hand. "'Isn't Hannah back yet?' "'No,--Sir.' "'It's strange. Which way did she go?' "'She did not tell us where she was going; but said that, as you were out, it would be a good opportunity of visiting an old friend.' "'When did she say she would be back?' "'We expected her last night,' said Grace. "'Something must have happened to the girl, Macdermot,' turning to me. 'Put the saddle on my riding horse. I will go among the neighbours, and inquire if they have seen her.' "Grace exchanged glances with me. "'Will you not stay till after dinner, Sir?' "'I don't care,' he cried impatiently, 'a --- for dinner. I feel too uneasy about the girl to eat. Macdermot, be quick and saddle Charley; and you, Grace, come and tell me when he is at the door.' "He went back into the parlour, and put on his riding-coat; and I went into the harness-house, not to obey his orders, but to plan his destruction. "I perceived that it was more difficult to conceal a murder than I had imagined; that the inquiries he was about to make would arouse suspicion among the neighbours, and finally lead to a discovery. The only way to prevent this was to murder him, take what money he had brought with him from Toronto, and be off with Grace to the States. Whatever repugnance I might have felt at the commission of this fresh crime, was drowned in the selfish necessity of self-preservation. My plans were soon matured, and I hastened to put them in a proper train. "I first loaded the old duck gun with ball, and, putting it behind the door of the harness-house, I went into the parlour. I found the captain lyinig on the sofa reading, his hat and gloves beside him on the table. He started up as I entered. "'Is the horse ready?' "'Not yet, Sir. Some person has been in during the night, and cut your new English saddle almost to pieces. I wish you would step out and look at it. I cannot put it on Charley in its present state.' "'Don't bother me, he cried angrily; 'it is in your charge,--you are answerable for that. Who the devil would think it worth their while to break into the harness house to cut a saddle, when they could have carried it off entirely? Let me have none of your tricks, Sir! You must have done it yourself!' "'That is not very likely, Captain Kinnaird. At any rate, it would be a satisfaction to me if you would come and look at it.' "'I'm in too great a hurry. Put on the old one.'