whose life, I can swear, he is tampering
with. It is a weak word, I know, but I will use a stronger, for I say he
is bent upon his murder by poison."

"Well," said Greatrakes, "keep your counsel for the present. I will
study this matter, and examine into it; and I shall most certainly
receive your informations against him; but I must have better
opportunities for making myself acquainted with the facts. In the
meantime keep your own secret, and leave the rest to me."

When Greatrakes reached Rathfillan House the whole family attended him
to the sick bed of Charles. Woodward was there, and appeared to feel a
deep interest in the fate of his brother. Greatrakes, on looking at him,
said, before he applied the sanative power which God had placed in his
constitution,--

"This young man is dying of a slow and subtle poison, which some person
under the roof of this house has been administering to him in small
doses."

As he uttered these words he fixed his eyes upon Woodward, whose face
quailed and blanched under the power and significance of his gaze.

"Sir," replied Lindsay, "with the greatest respect for you, there is not
a single individual under this roof who would injure him. He is beloved
by every one. The sympathy felt for him through the whole parish is
wonderful--but by none more than by his brother Woodward."

This explanation, however, came too late. Greatrakes's impressions were
unchanged.

"I think I will cure him," he proceeded; "but after his recovery let him
be cautious in taking any drink unless from the hands of his mother or
his father."

He then placed his hands over his face and chest, which he kept rubbing
for at least a quarter of an hour, when, to their utter astonishment,
Charles pronounced himself in as good health as he had ever enjoyed in
his lift.

"This, sir," said he, "is wonderful; why, I am perfectly restored to
health. As I live, this man must have the power of God about him to
be able to effect such an extraordinary cure: and he has also cured my
darling Alice. What can I say? Father, give him a hundred--five hundred
pounds."

Greatrakes smiled.

"You don't know, it seems," he replied, "that I do not receive
remuneration for any cures I may effect. I am wealthy and independent,
and I fear that if I were to make the wonderful gift which God has
bestowed on me the object of mercenary gain, it might be withdrawn from
me altogether. My principle is one of humanity and benevolence.