Oh! it would be sweet to see him chained in a dungeon, and taunt him with his grief! It would be glorious to tell him how he had worked out his ruin, planning it night and day for years, and see him writhe and suffer in his agony! Then he would reveal to him how he had helped Ralph to tear Robert’s bride from his almost clasping arms, and appropriate her to himself. And it was with difficulty that he disguised and concealed his anticipated triumph from the sharp eyes of his nephew. But he dropped his glowing orbs, and replied, calmly: “Yes, yes, boy. I’ll agree to anything to keep the peace between us; and, in fact, I guess it’s the best thing we can do. When shall we put the plan in force?” “To-morrow, if possible. I want this thing over with as soon as practicable. I will go immediately to see Hans, and give him our instructions, and have him on Ellerton’s track before sunset to-morrow evening.” “All right. The quicker the better,” replied the old villain. Ralph instantly arose and left the room, intent on his errand, leaving his uncle maturing his diabolical plan for the future. Ronald Edgerton, who had listened to the above conversation with creeping flesh and eyes distended with horror, crept cautiously back into his room, muttering to himself: “We shall see! We shall see!” CHAPTER XVIII. THE UNHEEDED WARNING. Toward evening of the following day Mr. Ellerton stood booted and spurred upon the steps of the Glenburn House, impatiently waiting for the groom to bring around a horse. He was going for a gallop over the distant hills to get a breath of fresh air and a view of the surrounding country. While standing thus he saw a dirty little urchin, barefooted and ragged, behind one of the large fluted pillars which supported the porch, and every little while he caught him peeping out upon him with curious eyes. He bore this scrutiny as long as he cared to, and then walked up to him, saying, somewhat crossly: “What are you prowling about here for, you youngster? Anything wanted?” The little fellow tore off his tattered cap, and catching hold of the shock of yellow, tangled hair that hung down over his forehead, gave it a vigorous pull. He then thrust his hand deep into his trousers pocket, pulled out a soiled and crumpled piece of paper, which he put hastily into Mr. Ellerton’s hand, and with a low “Mum’s the word, sir,” he darted like a flash from his sight. Somewhat amused at this singular proceeding, while at the same time he was unconsciously impressed by the urchin’s mysterious manner, he glanced around to see if any one had observed the event before he opened the note. There was no one about, and he unfolded it and read the contents. It was written in a round, manly hand, which Mr. Ellerton thought had a familiar look; but where or when he had seen that same handwriting before, he could not remember.