It is not necessary to describe all the examinations which took place.
Hilda's marriage with Don Hernan was proved by three surviving
witnesses--Father Mendez, Pedro Alvarez, and Rolf Morton, though the
loss of the certificate, one of the lawyers was of opinion, might prove
a difficulty in a Spanish court.

"It is one a few hundred dollars may get over," observed Pedro Alvarez,
with a shrug of his shoulders.

The birth of the child, and its abduction by strangers, was proved with
equal ease. And now Captain Tacon was led forward, and in pure
Castilian, which Pedro Alvarez translated, confessed that he was the
person who carried off the young Hernan.

"But there, there is the man who instigated me to commit the deed!" he
exclaimed, pointing to the marquis, who lay on the sofa with his eyes
half closed.

"Yes, I confess my crime," said the old man, slowly raising himself up.
"I have enjoyed but little happiness since. My palaces have been burnt
down, and my plate and jewels carried off by the French. May the
rightful owner enjoy what remains. I have done what my father confessor
directed. I am prepared for the grave which yawns to receive me, and a
few hundred dollars which my daughter possesses will enable her to enter
a convent, and there forget my sorrow and shame."

Pedro Alvarez then described his recovery of young Hernan, and his
career up to the moment he parted from him.

"I can without difficulty communicate with friends in France, who will
inform him of what has occurred, and enable him to come here without
delay," he added. "Thence he can go to Spain, and take possession of
his estates."

What the marquis had said was translated to Sir Marcus. The number of
people collected, and the discussions taking place, had had the effect
of rousing him up, and his intellect seemed as bright and acute as ever.

"Then, Colonel Armytage, since a male heir is found for Lunnasting, I
fear that I must alter the will which I lately made in your favour."

"You may save yourself that trouble, Sir Marcus," said the sheriff,
somewhat sternly. "There is another claimant to the Lunnasting
property. I would save your daughters from the pain of listening to the
investigation of the case which must now be held. They will, however,
perhaps wish to see that justice is done to all parties, and they may be
assured that it is with the greatest unwillingness that I shall say
anything which may wound their feelings."

Mrs