entatives to pay their last tokens of respect to
one who had been held in honour among them. The tenantry of the Texford
property followed on horseback or foot.

For many years so large a gathering had not been seen in that part of
the country. Even the boatmen and fishermen from the neighbouring
coast, among whom were Adam Halliburt and his sons, managed to get on
shore in time to join the cortege, walking two and two, with the flags
of their boats furled round the staff carried at the head of each party.
There were several real mourners in the crowd. One of the most sincere
probably was Mr Groocock. He had lost a kind and indulgent master, who
had ever placed confidence in his honesty of purpose, and he had reason
to doubt whether the new lord of Texford would treat him in the same
way.

As the assembly gathered round the family tomb of the Castletons, Mr
Groocock, happening to look up, observed among the crowd, standing
directly opposite where the chief mourners were collected, a dark
bearded man, whose eye was fixed on Sir Ralph, his countenance
exhibiting a peculiarly evil expression.

"That man comes here for no good," thought the steward. "He had no love
for Sir Reginald, and he is not one who would put himself out of his way
for an object which could be of no advantage to him. Still he has not
come without an object, of that I am very certain."

The minister had uttered the last solemn words, "earth to earth, dust to
dust, ashes to ashes," and the burial service was concluded. Those who
felt disposed to do so moved down into the vault to take a last look at
Sir Reginald's coffin ere the tomb was closed till another occupant
might claim admission. Mr Groocock had been among the first to
descend, and remained unwilling to quit the spot. As he stood there he
saw the man he had observed among the crowd enter the vault just as the
last of the other visitors had left. He did not appear to cast a glance
even at Sir Reginald's coffin, but he was seen to stop before three
others on the opposite side, not aware apparently that anyone else
remained in the vault. The steward could not see his features, but the
working of his shoulders showed that he was agitated by some strong
feeling. A groan escaped his bosom.

"I will have vengeance on your murderer," he muttered.

Suddenly turning round as if by a powerful effort, he hastened out of
the vault.

"This is strange," thought the steward, "what can have m