Part 24 (1/2)

Joseph's eyes flashed him a quick look of baffled hate

”As you will,” said he, with an ill grace

As they passed out, Crispin turned to Kenneth

”Reood watch”

Kenneth bent his head without replying But Master Gregory required little watching He lay a helpless, half-swooning heap upon the floor, which he had s from his wounded shoulder

Even were he untrussed, there was little to be feared froether, Kenneth did not so much as attempt to speak to him He sat himself down upon the nearest chair, and with his chin in his hands and his elbows on his knees he pondered over the ot him, and more bitter than ever it had been was his enht That Galliard should be upon the eve of finding his son, and a sequel to the story he had heard fro of no interest or moment Galliard had ruined him with these Ashburns He could never now hope to win the hand of Cynthia, to achieve which he had been willing to turn both fool and knave--aye, had turned both There was naught left him but to return him to the paltry Scottish estate of his fathers, there to one South to lish heiress

That at such a season he could think of this but serves to prove the shallow nature of his feelings A love was his that had gain and vanity for its foundation--in fact, it was no love at all For what he accounted love for Cynthia was but the love of hie

He cursed the ill-luck that had brought Crispin into his life He cursed Crispin for the evil he had suffered fro that but for Crispin he would have been carrion a s was he when the door opened again to adht caory

”You one,” said he ”And in a quarter of an hour from now you are released froentleness, and turning a glance that was alain, but should we, I trust it may be in happier times If I have harreat Fare you well” And he held out his hand

”Take yourself to hell, sir!” answered Kenneth, turning his back upon hihost of an evil smile played round Joseph Ashburn's lips as he watched them

CHAPTER XVIII COUNTER-PLOT

So soon as Sir Crispin had taken his departure, and whilst yet the beat of his horse's hoofs was to be distinguished above the driving storm of rain and ithout, Joseph hastened across the hall to the servants'

quarters There he found his four groo deeply, their faces white and clammy, and their limbs twisted into odd, helpless attitudes

Vainly did he rain down upon them kicks and curses; arouse them he could not fro a lanthorn, he passed out to the stables, whence Crispin had lately taken his best nag, and with his own hands he saddled a horse His lips were screwed into a curious sered upon them when presently he retraced his steps to the room where his brother sat with Kenneth

In his absence the lad had dressed Gregory's wound; he had induced him to take a little wine, and had set him upon a chair, in which he now lay back, white and exhausted

”The quarter of an hour is passed, sir,” said Joseph coldly, as he entered

Kenneth n that he heard He sat on like a ory's pale, flabby face

”The quarter of an hour is passed, sir,” Joseph repeated in a louder voice

Kenneth looked up, then rose and sighed, passing his hand wearily across his forehead

”I understand, sir,” he replied in a low voice ”You o?”