“P’rhaps not,” returned Chewkle, “but it’s the danger to number von as I looks at. However, I dessay I can put that right if everything else is squared to make it worth my while.” Mr. Grahame produced a Bank of England note for fifty pounds. “Here, my good Chewkle, is an earnest of my future intentions towards you,” he observed, with a furtive glance at the man’s somewhat excited countenance, as he placed the note in the scoundrel’s trembling fingers. It immediately disappeared like magic in his vest. He turned, with a grin, to his employer, and said---- “It shall be done, sir.” “At once,” urged Grahame, quickly; “it is essential that no time should be lost. I should go, if I were you, by the earliest train to-morrow morning.” “All right, sir. You’ll hear of it afore the week’s out in the papers.” “My best friend. How deeply I shall stand indebted to you.” “Yes,” thought Chewkle, “rayther deeper than you imagines, I think.” But he said aloud-- “Let me see: I’m supposed to be at Liverpool, which is a good thing, for even old Gummy won’t suspect my being at Harleydale, and I shall quietly watch for the old man taking his evening walk--the last p’rambulation on earth for ’im, at all events.” Mr. Grahame shuddered. He felt anxious to get rid of his villainous companion. “I think we understand each other now,” he remarked, in a tone which intimated that he wished the interview to terminate. “Yes,” replied Chewkle, with a very meaning nod, “I think we do understand each other now, and it’s my belief we shall understand one another better by and bye. Good night, sir.” “Good night--good night,” cried Mr. Grahame, hastily, and added: “Be careful how you descend the staircase, it is narrow, the night is dark, and an accident just now would be unfortunate.” “To me; but what if I had old Wilton here,” suggested Chewkle, with a savage cackle. “Hush! hush!” exclaimed Grahame, in a whisper, “not so loud. Mind how you go, do not let the servants discover you, whatever you do, and, above all, be sure to neglect no precaution which may tend to ensure the success of your enterprise.” Chewkle waved his hand exultingly, and disappeared. The next morning he was on his way towards Harleydale Manor, bent on executing his murderous mission. CHAPTER XV.--THE RETURN HOME. And with a fixed eye scann’d Her father’s face. ***** He gaz’d on her, and she on him; ‘twas strange How like they looked! the expression was the same-- Serenely savage, with a little change In the large dark eye’s mutual darted flame: For she, too, was as one who could avenge-- If cause should be--a lioness though tame. Her father’s blood, before her father’s face Boil’d up, and prov’d her truly of his race. --Byron. A child was born.