been arrested by James Ormsby's orders! I have always regarded Ormsby as a meddlesome fool; now I'm sure he's one."

"We have yet to learn under what circumstances the arrest was effected."

"True for you, my youthful Solomon. Well, let us be gone. But the coincidence, Rodd, the coincidence--the strangeness of the two things happening together!"

Roden Marsh did not reply, but led the way out of the glade. Drelincourt, who was following him, on reaching the edge of it, turned, and lifting his hat, said softly: "Adieu, Madeline!"

 

 

 

 

 CHAPTER III.

SIR JOHN CONDUCTS THE INQUIRY.

 

The middle of the library at the Towers was occupied by a large oblong oaken table, with a number of leather seated chairs ranged around it. At the upper end of this sat Sir John Musgrave, who had lately bought the mansion and estate of Grovelands, and was as yet a comparative stranger in the neighborhood. Mr. Ormsby, brother-in-law to Mr. Drelincourt, took the chair on the right of the baronet.

Roden Marsh was the first to enter, and, by the baronet's request, he took a seat about half way down the table to the left of the latter. He had brought his writing materials with him.

Next came in Chief Constable Draycot and the man Gumley, while a constable in uniform took up a position near the door. By Sir John's direction, Draycot and his prisoner took possession of a couple of chairs somewhat removed from the lower end of the table. Gumley, who was dressed like an ordinary laboring man, cast a comprehensive scowl around, and then, having subsided into his chair, he crossed his legs and stretched them out in front of him, as he might have done in a tap room, and seemed intent on examining the lining of his old felt hat.

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