"I hope not," answered Coates. "But this gentleman has taken up the defence of the notorious Dick Turpin in so singular a manner, that----" "_Quod factu fœdum est, idem est et Dictu Turpe_," returned Small. "The less said about that rascal the better." "So I think," replied Jack. "The fact is as you say, sir--were Dick here, he would, I am sure, take the _freedom to hide 'em_." Further discourse was cut short by the sudden opening of the door, followed by the abrupt entrance of a tall, slender young man, who hastily advanced towards the table, around which the company were seated. His appearance excited the utmost astonishment in the whole group: curiosity was exhibited in every countenance--the magnum remained poised midway in the hand of Palmer--Dr. Small scorched his thumb in the bowl of his pipe; and Mr. Coates was almost choked, by swallowing an inordinate whiff of vapor. "Young Sir Ranulph!" ejaculated he, as soon as the syncope would permit him. "Sir Ranulph here?" echoed Palmer, rising. "Angels and ministers!" exclaimed Small. "Odsbodikins!" cried Titus, with a theatrical start; "this is more than I expected." "Gentlemen," said Ranulph, "do not let my unexpected arrival here discompose you. Dr. Small, you will excuse the manner of my greeting; and you, Mr. Coates. One of the present party, I believe, was my father's medical attendant, Dr. Tyrconnel." "I had that honor," replied the Irishman, bowing profoundly--"I am Dr. Tyrconnel, Sir Ranulph, at your service." "When, and at what hour, did my father breathe his last, sir?" inquired Ranulph. "Poor Sir Piers," answered Titus, again bowing, "departed this life on Thursday last." "The hour?--the precise minute?" asked Ranulph, eagerly. "Troth, Sir Ranulph, as nearly as I can recollect, it might be a few minutes before midnight." "The very hour!" exclaimed Ranulph, striding towards the window. His steps were arrested as his eye fell upon the attire of his father, which, as we have before noticed, hung at that end of the room. A slight shudder passed over his frame. There was a momentary pause, during which Ranulph continued gazing intently at the apparel. "The very dress, too!" muttered he; then turning to the assembly, who were watching his movements with surprise; "Doctor," said he, addressing Small, "I have something for your private ear. Gentlemen, will you spare us the room for a few minutes?" "On my conscience," said Tyrconnel to Jack Palmer, as they quitted the sanctum, "a mighty fine boy is this young Sir Ranulph!--and a chip of the ould block!--he'll be as good a fellow as his father." "No doubt," replied Palmer, shutting the door. "But what the devil brought him back, just in the nick of it?" _CHAPTER X_ _RANULPH ROOKWOOD_ _Fer._ Yes, Francisco, He hath left his curse upon me. _Fran._ How?