aw his
opportunity, went on board as Gordon, and claimed the luggage--some
of it gold--already on board. How the mutiny broke out was less clear;
but one of the other passengers knew Gum, and threatened to expose him;
and perhaps this led to it. Gum, at any rate, was the ringleader, and
this passenger was one of the first killed. Gum--Gordon as he was
called--contrived to escape in the open boat, and found his way to land;
thence, disguised, to England and to Calne; and at Calne he had since
lived, with the price offered for George Gordon on his head.

It was a strange and awful story: and Lord Hartledon felt a shiver run
through him as he listened. In truth, that shed was the safest and
fittest place for him to die in!

As die he did ere the third day was over. And was buried as Pike, the
wild man, without a mourner. Clerk Gum stood over the grave in his
official capacity; and Dr. Ashton, who had visited the sick man, himself
read the service, which caused some wonder in Calne.

And the following week Lord Hartledon caused the shed to be cleared
away, and the waste land ploughed; saying he would have no more tramps
encamping next door to Mr. and Mrs. Gum.

CHAPTER XXXVI.

THE DOWAGER'S ALARM.

Again the years went on, bringing not altogether comfort to the house of
Hartledon. As Anne's children were born--there were three now--a sort of
jealous rivalry seemed to arise between them and the two elder children;
and this in spite of Anne's efforts to the contrary. The moving spring
was the countess-dowager, who in secret excited the elder children
against their little brothers and sister; but so craftily that Anne could
produce nothing tangible to remonstrate against. Things would grow
tolerably smooth during the old woman's absences; but she took good care
not to make those absences lengthened, and then all the ill-nature and
rebellion reigned triumphant.

Once only Anne spoke of this, and that was to her father. She hinted at
the state of things, and asked his advice. Why did not Val interpose his
authority, and forbid the dowager the house, if she could not keep
herself from making mischief in it, sensibly asked the Rector. But Anne
said neither she nor Val liked to do this. And then the Rector fancied
there was some constraint in his daughter's voice, and she was not
telling him the whole case unreservedly. He inquired no further, only
gave her the best advice in his power: to be watchful, and counterac