got home I found my father rather cross with me for staying out; and I was afraid to tell him what I had seen. Early the next morning we left for Ireland; and I never had courage to speak to my father upon this subject until we read the account of the murder and of Katherine's arrest. That was in the Isle of Man." The reader may imagine the profound sensation which this narrative created. Richard Markham was literally astounded. Katherine Wilmot wept abundantly. Reginald Tracy was crushed, as it were, to the very dust, by this overwhelming exposure of his guilt. The jury whispered together for a few moments; and the foreman rose and said, "My lords, it is rather as a matter of form than as the result of any deliberation, that we pronounce a verdict of _Not Guilty_." "The prisoner is discharged," said the senior judge. "It will be the duty of the police to take charge of Reginald Tracy." "I have him in custody, my lord," exclaimed Morris Benstead in a loud tone. CHAPTER CLVIII. A HAPPY PARTY. In a private room up stairs, at a tavern nearly opposite the Court-house of the Old Bailey, a happy party was assembled. And yet the group was somewhat motley. It consisted of Richard Markham, Katherine Wilmot, the Public Executioner, Gibbet, Rachel Bennet, and Morris Benstead. The best luncheon which the house afforded was spread upon the table. "And so you really thought I was lost, sir?" said Benstead. "I am not the man to neglect the business that is entrusted to me; neither do I excite hopes unless I know that they'll be realised." "But you have not yet told me how you came to bring all your witnesses into court at one and the same moment," said Richard Markham.