"Undoubtedly he can, and ought to be so deemed morally; because, believe me, he must already have been guilty in thought--although not necessarily in intention--and, under such circumstances as we are considering, the deed itself is merely the natural outcome of the rudimentary idea." Again Rodd shook his head. Evidently he was not open to conviction. "Had we not better make our way to the Towers without further delay?" he asked. "It is known that I came in search of you, and your prolonged absence may excite suspicion." Drelincourt turned on him with one of his peculiar smiles. "Why hurry ourselves, my dear Rodd? Let the first scare get itself over; we shall be in excellent time for the sequel. What a lovely nook is this! I could linger here for hours. Look how that shaft of sunlight quivers through the crowns of yonder elms. But thou hast no eye for such effects, Rodd; thou art woefully lacking in artistic insight. See! a squirrel. What a pretty rascal it is?" Roden had risen. "I am waiting for you, Felix," he said coldly. "But perhaps you wish me to leave you here and go back alone." Although Roden Marsh addressed his foster brother as "Felix" when they were alone, in the presence of others he always spoke of and to him as "Mr. Drelincourt." "What a restless, weariful mortal thou art," said the latter. "Come, then, let us go!" But scarcely had they taken half a dozen steps before they both came to a stand. Some one in the distance was calling Mr. Drelincourt by name. "Unless I'm mistaken, that is the voice of Dixon, the groom," said Rodd. "He has probably been sent in search of you. Let me go to him while you wait here, and ascertain whether he's the bearer of any fresh news." A moment later he had plunged into the depths of the wood. "I am afraid that in no case will the next few days prove pleasant ones for the master of Wyvern Towers," murmured Drelincourt, as he stood where the other had left him. "_Eh, bien!_ the first act of the drama is over; soon the curtain will rise on the second. I am as curious as if I were merely a looker on to know how the plot will develop itself, and to what extent it will involve F. D. Will it prove to be merely a nine days' wonder and there end? By this time next year it may be merely an old wife's tale, to tell o' nights by the chimney corner. Or the _dénouement_ may be something altogether different; a tolling bell, a crossbeam, and a dangling rope. Those who live will see." He turned and began to pace the glade slowly, his hands crossed behind his back. As he walked, his lips moved.