“Did Lady Verner? Her ladyship had been walking on the terrace with her brother.” “I don’t know,” said the Captain, his heart beating wildly with a burning suspicion that haunted him like a ghost. “You were going towards the figures when you heard the pistol,” said the officer. “Did you go straight in the direction of the persons you thought you saw?” “Not quite.” “You put the keep and that corner of the ruin to the right between them and you?” “Yes.” “Thank you, Captain Hammerton. There will be an inquest to-morrow on the body. I suppose we may rely upon your attendance.” “Certainly,” said Lionel. “Shall we remove the body for the inquest, your lordship?” “It is not necessary,” said the Earl. “Good-night, my lord--good-night, gentlemen,” said the officer, leaving the room. When he was clear of the castle gates the police superintendent despatched the policeman who was with him to Brazencrook for three more officers, who were to meet him near the ruins as quickly as possible. When they came he posted them at various distant points commanding the castle, and bade them take any person into custody who might attempt to leave it during the night, the vicar of Brazencrook alone excepted. * * * * * In the castle that night two persons gave themselves up, during the still hours, to their wakeful thoughts. When the Countess heard the whole story, a terrible solution of the mystery suggested itself to her mind. Lionel Hammerton had overheard her brother’s threats, and had shot him in his fear and passion; for he knew how much the Earl’s happiness was bound up in the love of his wife. It was a terrible thought, but came again and again into Amy’s troubled mind; and all the time, think whatever he might, it seemed as if the devil whispered in Lionel’s ear, “She killed him.” He knew that it was a miserable morbid thought arising out of excitement, and overhearing the dead man’s threats, and his violent taking off occurring at so important a moment for Amy’s peace. And so these two fought with the ghosts of fancy, whilst the policeman half suspected Lionel, who had blood upon his coat, which, however easily accounted for, was still blood for all that. * * * * *