"Theodore Deacon has already found me a fine young fellow, whom I should like to make an officer," observed Colonel Townley. "Ah! who may that be?" "You will be little the wiser when I mention his name, Sir Richard. 'Tis Atherton Legh." "Atherton Legh. Is he of a Lancashire family?" "I am unable to answer that question, Sir Richard. In fact, there is a mystery about him. But he is a gentleman born, I'm certain. You would say so yourself were you to see him. Ah! the opportunity offers--here he is." As he spoke the door was opened, and the young man in question was ushered in by the landlord. CHAPTER V. INTRODUCES OUR HERO. Atherton Legh had a fine, open, intelligent countenance, clear grey eyes, classically moulded features, a fresh complexion, and a tall graceful figure. His manner was frank and prepossessing. His habiliments were plain, but became him well, and in lieu of a peruke, he wore his own long, flowing, brown locks. His age might be about one-and-twenty. Such was the tall, handsome young man who stood before the company, and it may be added that he displayed no embarrassment, though he felt that a scrutinising look was fixed upon him by the baronet. "Was I not right, Sir Richard?" whispered Colonel Townley. "Has he not the air of a gentleman?" The baronet assented; adding in an undertone, "Tell me, in a word, who and what he is?" "I have already stated that a mystery attaches to his birth, and so carefully is the secret kept, that, although he has a guardian who supplies him with funds, he is not even acquainted with his guardian's name." "Strange!" exclaimed the baronet. "Shall I present him to you, Sir Richard?" "By all means," was the reply. Colonel Townley then went up to the young man, shook hands with him, and after a little talk, brought him to Sir Richard, who rose on his approach, and received him very graciously. But though the baronet's manner was exceedingly courteous, Atherton felt unaccountably repelled. Sir Richard's features seemed familiar to him, but he could not call to mind where he had seen him. "I hope you have come to signify to Colonel Townley your adhesion to the cause of King James the Third?" remarked Sir Richard. "Yes, yes, he means to join us," cried Colonel Townley, hastily. "I am enchanted to see him. Say that you will belong to the Manchester Regiment, Mr. Atherton Legh--say the word before these gentlemen--and I engage that you shall have a commission." "You are too good, sir," said the young man. "Not at all," cried the colonel. "I could not do his royal highness a greater service than to bring him such a fine young fellow."