this time."

Headland would willingly have enquired of whom the steward spoke, but
the old man at once abruptly changed the conversation, and they shortly
afterwards reached the gates of Texford.

The evening passed by much as the previous one had done, though Lady
Castleton and Julia had become still more anxious at not seeing Harry.

Julia thought of poor May, who would, she knew, feel still more anxious,
and she resolved, if possible, to go over to Downside the next day to
see her, and show her sympathy.

CHAPTER THIRTY EIGHT.

ALARMS.

The family had retired to rest. Headland, however, was sitting up,
feeling no inclination to sleep, and having numerous subjects to occupy
his mind. He looked at his watch. It was one o'clock.

"After all, the only course which honour dictates lies straight before
me. I would not persuade Julia to marry me without her father's
consent; and if he withholds it I shall remain pledged to her, and go to
sea till he withdraws his opposition."

At that moment the hall door bell rang a loud peal. Taking his lamp
Headland went downstairs, hoping to find that Harry had returned. As no
servant had appeared, he commenced withdrawing the bolts. Not being
accustomed to the operation, he was some time about it.

"Bear a hand, let me in as fast as you can," said a voice. It was
Harry's. He spoke in a hurried and excited tone.

Headland succeeded at last, and Harry staggered in, looking very pale.
There was blood on his coat-sleeve and down his side.

"My dear fellow, what has happened?" exclaimed Headland.

"I have been attacked by highwaymen or ruffians of some sort, and though
I beat them off, one of them sent a bullet through my side, and another
gave me an ugly slash with a hanger. Thanks to my good steed, and a
stout stick I carried instead of my whip, I kept them at bay till I got
clear away."

"Come to your room at once then, and have your hurts looked to; you seem
weak from loss of blood."

"I am somewhat faint, and shall be glad of some refreshment if we can
rouse up the butler; but I do not wish to alarm my mother and Julia by
making any disturbance in the house."

Headland having helped Harry to his room, received his directions where
to find the servants, and went in search of them without waiting to hear
more of his adventures.

"Thieves and robbers in the house! I'll be after them anon," exclaimed
Boodle, the old butler, from within, giving sundry gru