r laughed: a very civil laugh. "It won't do, sir; we often
have that trick tried on us."

"But I tell you I am _not_ Mr. Elster," he reiterated, speaking this time
with some anger. "I am Lord Hartledon."

He of the loose coat shook his head. He had his hand again on the
supposed Mr. Elster's arm, and told him he must go with him.

"You cannot take me; you cannot arrest a peer. This is simply
ridiculous," continued Lord Hartledon, almost laughing at the real
absurdity of the thing. "Any child in Calne could tell you who I am."

"As well make no words over it, sir. It's only waste of time."

"You have a warrant--as I understand--to arrest Mr. Percival Elster?"

"Yes, sir, I have. The man that was looking for you in London got taken
ill, and couldn't come down, so our folks sent me. 'You'll know him by
his good looks,' said they; 'an aristocrat every inch of him.' Don't give
me trouble, sir."

"Well now--I am not Percival Elster: I am his brother, Lord Hartledon.
You cannot take one brother for another; and, what's more, you had better
not try to do it. Stay! Look here."

He pulled out his card-case, and showed his cards--"Earl of Hartledon."
He exhibited a couple of letters that happened to be about him--"The
Right Honble. the Earl of Hartledon." It was of no use.

"I've known that dodge tried before too," said his obstinate capturer.

Lord Hartledon was growing more angry. He saw some proof must be tendered
before he could regain his liberty. Jabez Gum happened to be standing at
his gate opposite, and he called to him.

"Will you be so kind as to tell this man who I am, Mr. Gum. He is
mistaking me for some one else."

"This is the Earl of Hartledon," said Jabez, promptly.

A moment's hesitation on the officer's part; but he felt too sure of his
man to believe this. "I'll take the risk," said he, stolidly. "Where's
the good of your holding out, Mr. Elster?"

"Come this way, then!" cried Lord Hartledon, beginning to lose his
temper. "And if you carry this too far, my man, I'll have you punished."

He went striding up to the Rectory. Had he taken a moment for
consideration, he might have turned away, rather than expose this
misfortune of Val's there. The doctor came into the hall, and was
recognized as the Rector, and there was some little commotion; Anne's
white face looking on from a distance. The man was convinced, and took
his departure, considerably crestfallen.

"What is the amount?" called the docto