idn't he say out at once
he had no knowledge of the affair, and send us about our business?"

At that moment, he felt his sleeve plucked, and turning angrily round,
he saw the elderly master, who had been standing hat in hand, greatly
impressed by Lady Graeme's dignity.

"We're on the wrong 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 march. It goes through me like a
knife."

Archy drew a long breath, and was about to retire his men, when he heard
something which made him bound forward, for Celia, unable to bear the
horror and alarm any longer had suddenly swooned away.

The midshipman 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 relieve my wife and child of the presence of your men."

"I beg your pardon, Sir Risdon," said Archy quickly. "No one could
regret this more than I do. You see I am only a young officer, quite a
boy, and was sent on this unpleasant duty."

"Go on, sir, go on!"

"Oh, no!" cried the lad; "I am unwilling to search the place. I'm sure
if our lieutenant knew he would not wish it for a moment."

The baronet gazed at the boy wildly, as he clasped his child to his
breast.

"You--you are not going to search?" he said hesitatingly.

"No, of course not. Pray forgive me. I'll lead my men back to the boat
at once."

He raised his hat to Lady Graeme, an example followed by the master
clumsily, as he backed away to the men, whom he faced round, the order
was given, and they began to march back.

As they disappeared among the trees, Sir Risdon stooped down and kissed
his child's forehead passionately.

"Wife," he said, in a deep, husky voice, "I never felt the misery and
degradation of my position so cruelly before. Take her up to her room."

"What are you going to do, Risdon?" exclaimed the lady.

"Follow that poor lad, and let him know the truth. I will not let him
fail in his duty, to rescue that old scoundrel down below."

"No, no! You must not. It would be too cruel," whispered Lady Graeme
wildly. "Think of the consequences."

"I do," said Sir Risdon sternly. "I should have behaved like what I
have a right to be called--a gentleman."

"And make our f