In reply to their anxious inquiries, the butler told them what had happened, and the appalling intelligence was received with expressions of horror by the men, and by shrieks from the women--some of the latter seeming ready to faint. Bidding all follow him who chose, Markland then led three or four stout-hearted men to the room where the dire event had occurred. They found Sergeant Dickson watching beside the body, and, after regarding it for a few moments with fearful curiosity, they raised it from the floor, and placed it upon the bed. This done, they all quitted the chamber of death, and the door was locked. Markland, however, deemed it necessary to leave a man in the ante-room, and, having taken this precaution, he descended with the others to the lower part of the house. The sergeant then proceeded to the library to ascertain whether Captain Legh had made any change in his plans. "No," replied Atherton, "I must return to Manchester to-night, in order to explain matters to the prince. If his royal highness can dispense with my services, I shall retire from the Manchester Regiment. If not, I must go on. That is my fixed determination." "'Tis the resolve of a man of honour," replied the sergeant. "I have to read through this paper, and besides, I have some directions to give," said Atherton. "But I shall start in an hour." "Good," replied Erick. "I shall be quite ready." And fancying Captain Legh desired to be alone, he left the room. Shortly afterwards Markland appeared with lights, which he placed on the writing-table. "I am very sorry to find you are resolved to go, sir," he remarked. "If the prince can spare me I shall return at once." "Our chance of seeing you again is but slight, sir," rejoined the butler, shaking his head. "The prince is not likely to part with you. Shall Sir Richard's groom, Holden, attend you? Should you have any message to send to me, he will bring it back." "Yes, I will take him with me," replied Atherton. "Perhaps Miss Rawcliffe may require him." "You have eaten nothing, sir." "I have no appetite. But let a slight repast be prepared for me in half an hour." The butler bowed and left the room. As yet Atherton had only read certain portions of his unhappy uncle's confession; but he now unfolded the manuscript with the intention of carefully perusing it. The narration, written in a firm, bold hand, ran as follows. * * * * * In the name of the Almighty Power whom I have so deeply offended, and before whose throne I shall presently appear to answer for my manifold offences, I hereby solemnly declare that the young man now known as Atherton Legh is no other than my nephew Conway, only son of my brother Sir Oswald Rawcliffe, whom I have wickedly kept out of his inheritance for twenty years, by carrying him off when an infant, as I shall proceed to relate.