oft,
uneven ground to his brother, who, seeing that he had been observed,
awaited his brother's coming with some uncertainty of feeling.

Richard's face had wonderfully cleared since the morning, and his voice
was almost cordial.

"You've come? That's right," he said.

"Got anything?"

"Nothing much. I never saw young Grant shoot so wild. And my hand's not
very steady--after this morning's work." He laughed a little awkwardly
and looked away. "That fellow deserved all he got, Brian. But if you
choose to see him now and then and be friendly with him, it's your own
look out. I don't wish to interfere."

It was a great concession from Richard--almost as much as an apology.
Brian involuntarily put out his hand, which Richard grasped heartily if
roughly. Neither of them found it necessary to say more. The mutual
understanding was complete, and each hastily changed the subject, as
though desirous that nothing farther should be said about it.

If only some one had been by to witness that tacit reconciliation!

CHAPTER IV.

IN THE TWILIGHT.

It was already dusk under the thick branches of the wood, although the
setting sun shone brilliantly upon the loch. Luttrell's friends were to
dine with him, and as dinner was not until eight o'clock, they made
rather a long circuit, and had some distance to return. Brian had joined
Archie Grant; the second visitor was behind them with the keeper;
Richard Luttrell had been accidentally separated from the others, and
was supposed to be in front. Archie was laughing and talking gaily;
Brian, whose mind ran much upon Hugo, was somewhat silent. But even he
was no proof against Archie's enthusiasm, when the young fellow suddenly
seized him by the arm, and pointed out a fine capercailzie which the
dogs had just put up.

Brian gave a quick glance to his companion, who, however, had handed his
gun to the keeper a short time before, and shook his head deprecatingly.
Brian lifted his gun. It seemed to him that something was moving amongst
the branches beyond the bird, and for a moment he hesitated--then pulled
the trigger. And just as he touched it, Archie sprang forward with a
cry.

"Don't fire! Are you blind? Don't you see what you are doing!"

But it was too late.

The bird flew away unharmed, but the shot seemed to have found another
mark. There was the sound of a sudden, heavy fall. To Brian's horror and
dismay he saw that a man had been standing amongst the brushwood an