They then continued their walk, and had quitted the crowded part of the Mall, when an officer in full uniform, and followed by an orderly, was seen riding slowly down the avenue in the direction of the Horse Guards. He was a fine handsome man in the prime of life, and of very distinguished appearance. Atherton immediately recognised him as Colonel Conway, and, acting upon a sudden impulse, stepped forward to address him. Colonel Conway reined in his steed, and returned the young man's salute. "I forget your name," said the colonel. "But unless my eyes deceive me, I have seen you before." "You saw me at Carlisle, colonel." "Why, then, you were in Colonel Townley's Manchester Regiment--you are the rebel officer whom I myself captured. How is it that you act in this foolhardy manner? I shall be compelled to order your immediate arrest!" "Not so, colonel. I am perfectly safe with you." "How, sir!" cried Colonel Conway, sharply. "Dare you presume?" "You will not arrest your sister's son," replied Atherton. "Did I hear aright?" exclaimed the colonel, scanning him narrowly. "Yes, I am your nephew, the son of Sir Oswald Rawcliffe," replied the young man. Colonel Conway uttered an exclamation of surprise. "I don't doubt what you say," he cried. "You certainly bear a remarkable resemblance to your father. Am I to conclude you are the missing heir?" "Even so," replied Atherton. "I have sufficient proofs to support my claim whenever I choose to make it. But it is a long story, and cannot be told now. Dr. Byrom of Manchester will vouch for the truth of the statement." And at a sign from the young man the doctor stepped forward. "I did not expect to be called up at this moment, colonel," said the doctor. "But you may rest satisfied that this young gentleman is your nephew. He is the lost Sir Conway Rawcliffe." "But you did not serve under that name at Carlisle?" cried the colonel, eagerly. "If I remember right, you were known as Atherton Legh?" "Exactly," replied the young man. "I have not yet assumed my rightful name and title." "I am glad of it," cried the colonel. "By heaven! I am fairly perplexed how to act." "You will not act precipitately, colonel," said Dr. Byrom. "It was my intention to communicate with you on your nephew's behalf this very day." "I wish I had not seen him," cried the colonel. "Why did he put himself in my way?" "I had no such design, sir, I assure you," said Atherton. "Will you allow us to wait on you, colonel?" asked Dr. Byrom. "Wait on me! No! unless you want the young man to be arrested. Where are you staying?" he added to Atherton. "You will find me at the St. James's Hotel at any hour you may please to appoint, colonel." "I am staying there, colonel," said Dr. Byrom; "and so is Miss Rawcliffe--the late Sir Richard Rawcliffe's daughter." Colonel Conway reflected for a moment. Then addressing Atherton, he said: