tion whether
it were the right one. If Robin Lyth were caught, there would be the
form of trial, but the principal point would be to hang him. Like the
rest of the world, Mr. Mordacks at first believed entirely in his guilt;
but unlike the world, he did not desire to have him caught, and brought
straightway to the gallows. Instead of seeking him, therefore, he was
now compelled to avoid him, when he wanted him most; for it never must
be said that a citizen of note had discoursed with such a criminal,
and allowed him to escape. On the other hand, here he had to meet Sir
Duncan, and tell him that all those grand promises were shattered, that
in finding his only son all he had found was a cowardly murderer flying
for his life, and far better left at the bottom of the sea. For once
in a way, as he dwelt upon all this, the general factor became
down-hearted, his vigorous face lost the strong lines of decision, and
he even allowed his mouth to open without anything to put into it.

But it was impossible for this to last. Nature had provided Mordacks
with an admirably high opinion of himself, enlivened by a sprightly
good-will toward the world, whenever it wagged well with him. He had
plenty of business of his own, and yet could take an amateur delight in
the concerns of everybody; he was always at liberty to give good advice,
and never under duty to take it; he had vigor of mind, of memory,
of character, and of digestion; and whenever he stole a holiday from
self-denial, and launched out after some favorite thing, there was the
cash to do it with, and the health to do it pleasantly.

Such a man is not long depressed by a sudden misadventure. Dr. Upround's
opinion in favor of Robin did not go very far with him; for he looked
upon the rector as a man who knew more of divine than of human nature.
But that fault could scarcely be found with a woman; or at any rate with
a widow encumbered with a large family hanging upon the dry breast of
the government. And though Mr. Mordacks did not invade the cottage quite
so soon as he should have done, if guided by strict business, he thought
himself bound to get over that reluctance, and press her upon a most
distressing subject, before he kept appointment with his principal.

The snow, which by this time had blockaded Scargate, impounded
Jordas, and compelled Mr. Jellicorse to rest and be thankful for a hot
mince-pie, although it had visited this eastern coast as well, was
not deep enoug