ate, I should like to know a little
more about the fellow myself."

With this laudable intention he questioned Mrs Ingleton next morning.

"He is a good friend to dear Roger," said the mother. "Roger is devoted
to him. I am sure you will get to like him, Edward. He is perhaps a
little odd in his manner, but he has a good heart."

This was about all Mrs Ingleton knew, except that he was a University
man and an accomplished musician.

Captain Oliphant was not much enlightened by this description. He sat
down, and for the third time carefully read over the "dear one's" will.

"I think," said he at lunch-time, "I will stroll over to Yeld this
afternoon and see Mr Pottinger. Roger, will you walk with me? A walk
would do you good. You are looking pale, my boy."

"Oh, I'm all right," said Roger, whose cough, however, was still
obstinate. "I'll come with pleasure."

A walk of five miles on a damp afternoon through drenched country lanes
may be a good specific for a cough in India, but in England it
occasionally fails in this respect. Roger was wet through when he
reached Yeld.

"I shall not be long," said the Captain as they reached the attorney's
door. "Don't catch cold, there's a good fellow. Remember your health
is very precious."

Roger undertook to act on this considerate advice, and occupied his time
of waiting by strolling up and down the High Street in the rain, paying
a call here and there at one or two shops, and finally dropping in to
see his friend Dr Brandram.

The Captain meanwhile was having an interesting chat with the attorney.

After introducing himself and receiving the suitable congratulations, he
said--

"Mr Ingleton's will, Mr Pottinger, so far as I can understand it,
seems fairly simple, and I am ready and anxious to perform my part of
its provisions."

"Yes. You see, after all, it is only a matter of two years' trouble.
As soon as Master Roger comes of age you will be released."

"Unless," says the Captain, laughing, "he marries, becomes mad, or goes
to prison, isn't that it? What a curious proviso!"

"It is. The old Squire had his peculiarities, like most of us. He set
his heart on this boy turning out well."

"Ah! I presume this tutor, Mr Armstrong, has very high qualifications,
since so much depends on him."

"Of that I can't say, Captain Oliphant. To tell you the truth, I never
quite understood that appointment. But doubtless the Squire knew best."

"Doubtless