AWYERS--A CONSULTATION AFTER SUPPER, AND, AFTER SUPPER,
ACTION.

Early next morning, Mr Pigtop and myself were seated in a post-chaise,
making the best of our way towards the western extremity of England.
When we had arrived at Exeter, where we found it necessary to sleep, in
order to gain some little restoration from the fatigues of our incessant
travelling, we made up our minds to hire three horses and a groom, and,
having very accurately ascertained the exact site of Rathelin Hall,
which was situated a few miles to the north-eastward of Barnstaple, we
arrived there towards the close of the day, and put up at a very decent
inn in an adjoining village.

The old and large house was distinctly visible, notwithstanding the
well-wooded park in which it was situated, from the windows of our inn.
A conference with our host fully realised our worst fears. He informed
us that Sir Reginald was not expected to live many days; that his whole
deportment was very edifying; and, moreover, that his dying hours were
solaced and sweetened by the presence and the assiduities of his only
and long-disowned, but now acknowledged, son Ralph. We, moreover,
learned that this Ralph came attended by a London attorney; and that
they, with the priest Thomas, in the intervals between rest, refection,
and prayer, were actively employed in settling his sublunary affairs,
very much to the dissatisfaction of a Mr Seabright, the family
solicitor, and land-steward of the estate.

"Where does Mr Seabright live?" was my question, instantly.

"Why, here, sir, to be sure, in our town of Antwick; and mortally in
dudgeon he has taken all this."

"Undoubtedly, and with justice," was my reply. "So faithful a servant,
who has for so many years had the sole management of the Rathelin
affairs, should not be cast off so slightly. Give us as good a supper,
landlord, as your skill and Antwick can produce, and let us have covers
for three. Send your porter down to Mr Seabright--but I had better
write a note." So I sent to him a polite invitation to sup with us,
telling him that two strangers wished to see him on important business.

To all these proceedings Pigtop demurred. He was for the summary
process of going before a magistrate next morning, and taking out a
warrant to apprehend Joshua Daunton on the capital charge for which he
was pursued in London, and thus, at one blow, wind up the affair.

But I held my promise to Mrs Causand to be sacred, and d