ear by telegraph that you are coming over: for I repeat
that I will not engage myself to assume the full responsibility of the
case, or take any decisive step without your sanction.'

"What could Cutbill mean by such conduct?" cried Nelly. "Do you
understand it at all, Gusty?" Bramleigh merely shook his head in token
of negative.

"It all came of the man's meddlesome disposition," said Julia." The
mischievous people of the world are not the malevolent--_they_ only do
harm with an object: but the meddling creatures are at it day and night,
scattering seeds of trouble out of very idleness."

"Ju 's right," said George; but in such a tone of habitual approval
that set all the rest laughing.

"I need not discuss the question of permitting the search," said
Bramleigh; "these gentlemen have saved me _that_. The only point now
open is, shall I go over to England or not?"

"Go by all means," said Julia, eagerly. "Mr. Sedley's advice cannot be
gainsaid."

"But it seems to me our case is lost," said he, as his eyes turned to
Nelly, whose face expressed deep sorrow.

"I fear so," said she, in a faint whisper.

"Then why ask me to leave this, and throw myself into a hopeless
contest? Why am I, to quit this spot, where I have found peace and
contentment, to encounter the struggle that, even with all my conviction
of failure, will still move me to hope and expectancy?"

"Just because a brave soldier fights even after defeat seems certain,"
said Julia. "More than one battle has been won from those who had
already despatched news of their victory."

"You may laugh at me, if you like," said L'Estrange, "but Julia is right
there." And they did laugh, and the laughter was so far good that it
relieved the terrible tension of their nerves, and rallied them back to
ease and quietude.

"I see," said Bramleigh, "that you all think I ought to go over to
England; and though none of you can know what it will cost me in
feeling, I will go."

"There's a messenger from the Podesta of Cattaro waiting all this
time, Gusty, to know about this English sailor they have arrested. The
authorities desire to learn if you will take him off their hands."

"George is my vice-consul. He shall deal with him," said Bramleigh,
laughing, "for as the steamer touches at two o'clock, I shall be run
sharp to catch her. If any one will help me to pack, I 'll be more than
grateful."

"We'll do it in a committee of the whole house," said Julia, "for when