reaking of a small
stick under the tread of one of the party, and looking out, saw his danger;
for he recognized his pursuers, though they had not, as yet, ascertained
who he was. In a moment he decided upon his course of action, which was to
flee for life; and, mounting the horse, which he had in preparation for any
emergency, he bounded away at as rapid a rate as he could force the animal
into going.

The 'Squire called out to him to stop; but he seemed not to hear.

"Stop!" repeated the 'Squire, "stop, or I'll shoot you!"

Still he heeded not the command or the warning, but made only the greater
exertions to get out of reach of gun-shot and make his escape.

Without losing more time, the 'Squire leveled his rifle and fired. The
rider tottered for a moment and then fell from his seat. In a minute or two
he was surrounded by his pursuers.

"You have killed me, 'Squire," were his first words, as that gentleman came
up.

"Well, why did you not stop; I should not have fired if you had done so."

"I did not wish to be taken alive."

At this juncture Mr. Mandeville came round where he had a view of the
thief's face, and, with unfeigned horror and amazement, he recognized him,
and exclaimed:

"_Duffel!_"

"Yes, Mandeville," said Duffel, "it is I, and there is Tom, _your_ horse."

"So he is, as I live," said the bewildered individual. "How is this? I
certainly am not dreaming."

"No," replied Duffel. "I would to God it was a dream. You see before you
the very man of all others you had chosen for a son-in-law, and but for
your daughter's opposition, I would this day have stood in that relation to
you, which I am now glad is not the case. But I have much to reveal to you
and little time to do it in."

"Well, first of all, have you seen anything of Eveline?"

"Yes, I have both seen and conversed with her, and until last night I knew
where she was, but now I do not."

He then entered into a brief history of his past conduct in relation to
Hadley and Eveline, keeping nothing back.

"So, then, Hadley is dead?" queried the 'Squire, who felt a deep interest
in that young man's welfare.

"Yes, sorry enough I am to say it, for it is the only murder that rests on
my conscience, and a heavy burden and a deep stain it is with which to
appear in the presence of an offended God!"

"And you know nothing of Eveline?" interposed Mr. Mandeville.

"Nothing more than I have told you. She may be on her way home, or she may