Part 16 (1/2)

”Down, Grip! Quiet!” she cried, and feeling bound to act, she went on, with the etic word about giving her so much trouble

Celia could hardly keep down a hysterical cry, as she caught sight of her father and mother, the latter with her hand upon the for their custoarden, and Sir Risdon was about to lead his pale, careworn lady up the steps, when the snarling and subdued barking of Grip made him turn his head, and he stopped short with his lips almost white

”What is it?” whispered Lady Graeme, as she saw the uniforms and weapons of the men

”The end!” said the unhappy man, as he looked wildly at his wife ”The result of oods, and I am to be called to account for their possession Better that we had starved!”

Lady Graeht his hand, and pressed it hard

”Be firm,” she whispered; ”you will betray yourself”

”Well,” he replied bitterly, ”why not? Better so than being the slave of that wretched man I feel that I am worse than he I do know better, he does not”

Recalling that he was in the presence of a gentleetically, who and what they were That his was a very unpleasant duty, but that as a gentle's officers had no alternative but to carry out their duty

”Of course not, sir,” said Sir Risdon ”I understand, sir, you wish to search Very well, I shall raise no objection Proceed”

”Shall we close theup after halting the men

”Wait a minute,” replied Archy ”Really, I hardly think it is necessary for us to coentleh to assure me”

”No, sir,” said the baronet sternly; ”I shall make no obstacle You have your duty to do; pray proceed”

The midshi+p Lady Grae pale, handsome, and statuesque by her husband's side, while on the other side was Celia, holding her father's hand, and resting her forehead against his arht Archy ”Why didn't he say out at once he had no knowledge of the affair, and send us about our business?”

At that rily round, he saw the elderly reatly i tack, Mr Raystoke, sir,” he whispered

”Think so, Gurr?” said Archy joyfully

”Oh, yes! These are not the sort o' folk to do that kind o' thing

Apologise, and I'll give the order to hbreath, and was about to retire hiswhich made him bound forward, for Celia, unable to bear the horror and alarer had suddenly swooned away

The midshi+pman was too late, for Sir Risdon had bent down, raised his child, and was about to carry her into the house

He turned fiercely on the young officer

”Well, sir,” he said sternly, ”you have your duty to do; pray go on, and then relieveyour pardon, Sir Risdon,” said Archy quickly ”No one could regret thisofficer, quite a boy, and was sent on this unpleasant duty”