“‘Oh, yes! several noted roughs and poachers, on suspicion, but every one proved an alibi and got off.’
“‘And Estel?’
“‘Estel and another chap, one Burton, both respectable young farmers, and tenants of Squire Hawkhurst, have disappeared from the neighborhood.’
“‘Do you know,’ inquired the young prisoner, ‘how it all goes on at the Hall? I cannot help thinking that all this came about through the old squire’s wicked will, and that it was only to get possession of that will and destroy it that the stage coach was stopped.’
“‘Very likely,’ replied Mr. Rocke. ‘But as for affairs at the Hall, of course, after the death of the lawyer, who was on his way down to take them in charge, the bailiff, who was entirely in the interests of the discharged nephew, notified Mr. James, who had gone to town, and the young squire arrived in time to take charge of his uncle’s funeral. After which, as heir-at-law, he entered into the undisputed possession of the estate, inherited not only from his immediate progenitor who had no just right to cut him off from it, but from a long line of ancestors.’
“‘Well,’ sighed Joe, ‘I am glad he enjoys his own again, though it costs so much, and though I never would have joined them that helped him to it, if I had known they were going to break the peace.’
“The lawyer questioned Joe farther as to his unconscious connection with the stage robbers of that fatal night, and after noting down all his replies, retired to prepare his brief, leaving the boy cheered with hope.
CHAPTER XXVI
THE MEETING OF THE YOUNG PAIR
Though losses and crosses
Be lessons right severe,