"Did you ever notice the likeness between him and Densil Ravenshoe?"
"I have noticed it, certainly; especially one night. One night I went to his cottage last autumn. Yes—well?"
"James Horton was Densil Ravenshoe's half-brother. He was the illegitimate son of Petre."
"Good God."
"And the man whom you call Charles Ravenshoe, whom I call Charles Horton, is his son."
Charles was looking eagerly from one to the other, bewildered.
"Ask him, Father Tiernay," he said, "what proofs he has. Perhaps he will tell us."
"You hear what Mr. Charles says, Mackworth. I address you because you have spoken last. You must surely have strong proofs for such an astounding statement."
"I have his mother's handwriting," said Father Mackworth.
"My mother's, sir," said Charles, flushing up, and advancing a pace towards him.