“And the door closed on Lord Stoner, Colonel Temple, Harry Ashton, a collegian, and Susy, the chambermaid.
“The sudden calamity had stunned all present, and one by one the visitors departed.
“Clare and Belle had heard the news.
“But neither spoke.
“They sat apart in silence, waiting for the colonel, who at last appeared, and the carriage drove off to the ‘Willows.’
“‘Don’t ask me any questions, girls,’ said the old man, as they rode home. ‘I am full of passion, and might say things to offend your ear; but let me tell you, this is a dastardly outrage; it was not a fight, but deliberate assassination, and old as I am, I would walk a hundred miles for the pleasure of putting a bullet into the precious scoundrel who did it.
“‘No, we can find no clue to the affair. The collegians have been down to the bridge, but there are no traces of the struggle, and the poor lad himself is insensible.
“‘I don’t know how the case stands, but it looks an ugly wound, very, and the doctor shakes his head ominously. I would give ten thousand pounds on the spot to “string up” the rascal who did it.
“‘Here we are, girls, home at last. I know you must be fatigued, both of you;’ and as he handed them from the carriage, he kissed them affectionately, and they immediately retired to their room.
“‘Jack,’ said the colonel to a servant, seating himself on the moonlit verandah, and lighting his pipe, ‘bring me a cup of wine—that’s it. You acted well to-night, and I shan’t forget it. It was “Pink,” you say, who first discovered him, eh? Lucky it was so, or he would have sunk for a certainty. Well, look here, Jack, you and Ike sit up to-night. I’m going to Lord Stoner’s again, and if Miss Clare wants to see me in the morning, tell her I shall be back by breakfast.’