"This has had a more tragical ending than I imagined," said the Earl. "Andrew, have the remains carried to the castle. Come along home," to Frank. "Confound my ill luck!" said Major Forster to the Marquis. "Poor Sir Richard seemed all of a tremble; no wonder he missed!" "Is he dead?" cried Johnny, running up. "Deed as a nail," replied old Andrew, and away Johnny ran. Like a wild thing he entered the drawing-room, and all the ladies gathered round him, pale with terror. "He's killed," cried Johnny, out of breath. "Who is killed?" said Lady Florence. "Who, Johnny?" "I am sure I didn't ask. One is; I saw them carrying him." "You careless boy," said Lady Arranmore. "Oh! I hope it is not true! Here's some one who will tell us. Oh! Captain Wilson, who fell?" "Musgrave, of course, Lady Arranmore." "But is he dead? Oh say no," said Lady Florence, trembling with excitement and fear. "Did you ever hear of a man living with an ounce of lead through his brains, Lady Florence? No, no; Richard of Musgrave breathes no more! The Captain will have to fly the country. Ah! here he comes." As he spoke the Captain, accompanied by Scroop, both booted and spurred, entered the room. "Oh! John, how could you?" "Oh! what have you done?" exclaimed his sisters. "Lord help us! what's done can't be helped. I am sure I am d--d sorry. But I must be off, so no recrimination. Good bye, Edie. Good bye, little Floss. And you, Miss Ravensworth. What, will you not even shake hands?" "I cannot--your hand is bloodstained!" "Ellen, if you knew all you would thank me. You do not know that Sir Richard was he who carried you off," said he, _sotto voce_. Ellen hid her face in her hands, and the young officer turned away and clanked out of the room, bowing to the other ladies. "God forgive you this murder; and may you never feel remorse for the deed!" said Mr. Power, as he strode past him. "Ha, my preacher! are you primed, and at it again? Nothing like sticking to one's trade. You to your Bible, and I to swords, guns, and pistols!" "You will think better some day. I trust God will break your heart in his own time." "I am like to break your head if you detain me any longer, old Snapdragon! Never you mind me. If I get to the devil first I'll fire a salute when you come! Till then, adieu." Leaving the worthy man to mourn over his wickedness, our hero proceeded to the hall, where all the gentlemen were grouped, talking to his brother and the Marquis. He and Scroop hastened to the courtyard, where young Wilton stood with three horses, ready saddled and bridled, to carry them and Archy to Leith, where they were to set sail at once for the Continent. "I'll show my face again when this has blown over," said the Captain, as he mounted. "Poor Sir Richard! I am very sorry for him,--unlucky devil as he was. You will see he is decently buried. He'll have a warmer time of it than we shall, if Power speaks gospel."