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or some gentleman, had gone on to Holler, I ran fit to split myself right to Holler Bell, and there, in course, the constable saw me."

"I see how it is now exactly. You fancied, of course, that I was awake."

"I did indeed, sir. Oh, if I hadn't, I wouldn't have suffered you to have left the room for the world."

"Another time, Judkins, let me on no account have the key: give it to me under no pretence, whatever."

I'll take care of that, sir. I've had a lesson. You won't catch me doing it again, sir, I'll warrant."

"I hope not. Now run home and get some refreshment. What sort of a place were you in?"

"Oh, horrid, sir. Worse than a pigsty, and so cold—oh!"

"Then you didn't sleep much?"

"Never got a wink, sir, all the blessed night."

"Then if you feel disposed to go to bed, do so. There, run away, and make yourself as comfortable as you can."

"Stop," said the reverend gentleman. "Drink that. It's brandy."

Judkins knew it. He didn't require to be told. He took the glass and emptied it, and then ran home to comfort cook.

The reverend gentleman now began to descant at full length on the conduct of the constable, and while he was thus occupied, a servant entered, and presented him with a card. He looked at it; and after a pause, slightly started. "Mr. George Augustus Howard!" thought he; "why that is the name of the gentleman whom Sylvester's father was supposed to have injured;—surely this is the same man!"

"Have you shown this gentleman into the parlour?" he inquired.

"No, sir," replied the servant; "he is in his carriage at the door."

"Ask him to walk in; I'll be with him immediately. You will excuse me for a short time," he added, addressing Aunt Eleanor.

"Oh, Sylvester and I will return now. We will only take a walk round the garden."

"Well," said the reverend gentleman, who felt somewhat tremulous, "I expect that I shall have, in the course of an hour, something of importance to communicate."

"Indeed! Well, we shall be happy to see you. Do not let us detain you now."

Sylvester and his aunt then went into the garden, and when the reverend gentleman had nerved himself sufficiently, he joined Mr. Howard in the parlour.

"Mr. Rouse, I believe I have the honour to address," observed Mr. Howard, calmly.

"My name is Rouse," returned the reverend gentleman. "I beg that you will be seated."

"Sir," said Mr. Howard, "I ought to apologise for introducing myself thus; but I think that, when I have explained to you my object, you will pardon me. I saw in a paper, last evening, the report of a trial, in which you were in some degree interested."

"Julian versus Sound?"