Linnell and Mellersh came into sight soon after, and paused on reaching the sandy cove, a place admirably suited for the purpose in hand, for though from the rough look-out above, the shore could be commanded for some distance either way, those who occupied the sandy patch were hidden from either east or west. "I'd have given something to have prevented this, Dick," said Mellersh huskily; "but you were bound to meet him." "Yes," said Richard gravely. "It was unavoidable. Hush! don't talk to me. I'm firm now, and,"--he smiled as he spoke--"I want to do you justice." "Well," said Sir Harry Payne, in a low voice, as the second party came upon the ground, "how do you feel now, Rockley? What do you mean to do?" "To the man who struck me, and came between me and Claire Denville?" "Yes." "I shall shoot him like a dog." Volume Two, Chapter VI. JAMES BELL IS CONFIDENTIAL. Sir Harry Payne looked at the stony face before him, and read fierce, implacable determination written plainly there. He felt that his companion was a soldier who would face death without a moment's hesitation, and that there was not a tremor in any pulse. He had but little time for thought, for there were salutations to make, everything being carried out in the most cold-blooded style; after which Sir Harry took an oblong box from the Major's servant. "You can go now," he said. "Not stay with my master, sir?" "I said go, fellow," cried Sir Harry sharply; and, in spite of his jaunty manner, he looked cold and pale. "Back, Sir Harry?" "No--anywhere. There, up the cliff. Be within call." The man saluted, turned on his heel, and, walking to where a roughly-cut path of steps led up the cliff into the little ravine, began to mount as quickly as he could. About half-way up he turned, saw that he was out of sight, and then, following Fisherman Dick's steps as if he were familiar with the way, climbed right into the rough cavern, and came suddenly upon the man, who started round in surprise. "Hullo!" he growled. "What are you doing here?" "Same to you," said the young dragoon, in a low voice. "What are you going to do?" "See the fight, if you must know," said Fisherman Dick. "Like my place, p'raps." "Yes," said the young soldier quickly, "I should;" and, stepping forward, he looked down cautiously on the group below. "Why, it's Fred Denville, sure_ly_," cried Fisherman Dick. "Hush, man!" said the young soldier, catching him by the arm; "James Bell now. Not a word to a soul about me." "What, not to your young brother, Master Fred?" "Hist! I'm only a common soldier now, Dick. You won't betray me, I know." "Not I, lad. Troost me." "I will, Dick, with my name, and--" He placed his lips close to the fisherman's ear, and whispered. Fisherman Dick brought a broad hand down softly on his knee, and laughed a silent laugh. But the next moment he turned preternaturally solemn, and whispered: "It wouldn't be fair."