“No one seems to know,” replied Linton. “At a very early hour this morning he left this in company with poor Kennyfeck. It would appear that they were not on the best of terms together; at least, some of the servants overheard angry words pass between them as they drove away.” “Let us call these people before us,” said Sir Andrew. “Not at present, sir. It would be premature and indiscreet,” interposed the judge., Then, turning to Linton, he added, “Well, sir, and after that?” “After that we have no tidings of either of them.” “I'll swear to the pistol, onyhow,” said Sir Andrew, who sat staring at the weapon, and turning it about in every direction. “Of what nature were the differences between Cashel and Kennyfeck supposed to be?” asked Meek of Linton. “It is impossible to collect, from the few and broken sentences which have been reported; possibly, dissatisfaction on Cashel's part at the difficulty of obtaining money; possibly, some misunderstanding about his intentions regarding one of the girls, whom the Kennyfecks were silly enough to suppose he was going to marry.” A slight tap at the door here arrested their attention. It was Mr. Phillis, who came to say that footsteps had been heard in Mr. Cashel's dressing-room, although it was well known he himself had not returned. “Might he not have returned and entered the room unseen, sir?” said the Chief Justice, who cast a shrewd and piercing look upon the valet. “Scarcely, my Lord, since he is known to every servant in the house, and people are passing and repassing in every direction.” “But there is every reason to believe that he has not returned at all,” interposed Linton. “It is some one else has been heard in his dressing-room.” “Would it not be as well to despatch messengers to Drumcoologan,” said Meek, “and assure ourselves of Cashel's safety? Up to this we are ignorant if he have not shared the fate of poor Kennyfeck.” “The very suggestion I was about to make. I 'll take Phillis along with me, and set out this instant,” cried Linton. “We shall miss your assistance greatly here, sir,” said the Chief Justice. “Your Lordship overvalues my poor ability; but I will hasten to the utmost, and be soon back again.” And thus saying, he left the room, followed by Phillis. “There must be an inquest at once,” said the Chief Justice. “The coroner has power to examine witnesses on oath; and it seems to me that some clew to the affair will present itself.” “As to this room, don't you think it were proper to inquire if any one be really within it?” asked Meek. “Yes; we will proceed thither together,” replied the judge. “I canna be mistaken in the pistol; I 'll swear to that,” chimed in Sir Andrew, whose whole thoughts were centred on that object. “Well, Mr. Goring,” said Meek, as that gentleman advanced to meet them in the corridor, “have you obtained any clew to this sad affair?”