e of these last words that could not be mistaken, and Frank
quickly lifted his hand to his breast; but, quick as was the gesture,
the other was too speedy for him, and caught his arm before he could
seize the pistol. Just at this critical moment the key was heard to turn
in the lock, and the heavy door was slowly opened. "There, take my arm,
sir," said Meekins, slipping his hand beneath Frank's; "You 're far too
weak to walk alone."

CHAPTER XXXVII. A FENCING-MATCH.

"You came in time,--in the very nick, Mr. Gray," said Frank, with a
quiet smile. "My friend here and I had said all that we had to say to
each other."

"Maybe you'd come again; maybe you'd give me five minutes another time?"
whispered Meekins, submissively, in Frank's ear.

"I think not," said Frank, with an easy significance in his look;
"perhaps, on reflection, you'll find that I have come once too often!"
And with these words he left the cell, and, in silent meditation,
returned to his companion.

"The fellow's voice was loud and menacing when I came to the door," said
Gray, as they walked along.

"Yes, he grew excited just at that moment; he is evidently a passionate
man," was Frank's reply; and he relapsed into his former reserve.

Grounsell, who at first waited with most exemplary patience for Frank
to narrate the substance of his interview, at last grew weary of his
reserve, and asked him what had occurred between them.

Frank paid no attention to the question, but sat with his head resting
on his hand, and evidently deep in thought. At last he said slowly,----

"Can you tell me the exact date of Mr. Godfrey's murder?"

"To the day,--almost to the hour," replied Grounsell. Taking out his
pocket-book, he read, "It was on a Friday, the 11th of November, in the
year 18----."

"Great God!" cried Frank, grasping the other's arm, while his whole
frame shook with a strong convulsion. "Was it, then, on that night?"

"Yes," said the other, "the murder took place at night. The body, when
discovered the next morning, was perfectly cold."

"Then that was it!" cried Frank, wildly. "It was then----when the
light was put out----when he crossed the garden----when he opened the
wicket--"

A burst of hysteric laughter broke from him, and muttering, "I saw it,
----I saw it all," he fell back fainting into Grounsell's arms.

All the doctor's care and judicious treatment were insufficient to
recall the youth to himself. His nervous system, shatter