dignation over
the state of things that had been discovered in the establishment, for
whose keeper he had voluntarily become responsible. Notwithstanding all
his efforts to assist them in their search, he knew that in their hearts
they charged him with Benedict's disappearance. At last he bade Buffum
good-night, and went down the hill to his home.

He had no badinage for Phipps during that drive, and no pleasant
reveries in his library during that evening, for all the possibilities
of the future passed through his mind in dark review. If Benedict had
been murdered, who could have any interest in his death but himself? If
he had died from exposure, his secrets would be safe, but the charge of
his death would be brought to his door, as Miss Butterworth had already
brought the responsibility for his insanity there. If he had got away
alive, and should recover, or if his boy should get into hands that
would ultimately claim for him his rights, then his prosperity would be
interfered with. He did not wish to acknowledge to himself that he
desired the poor man's death, but he was aware that in his death he
found the most hopeful vision of the night. Angry with the public
feeling that accused him of a crime of which he was not guilty, and
guilty of a crime of which definitely the public knew little or nothing,
there was no man in Sevenoaks so unhappy as he. He loved power and
popularity. He had been happy in the thought that he controlled the
town, and for the moment, at least, he knew the town had slipped
disloyally out of his hands.

An impromptu meeting of citizens was held that evening, at which Mr.
Belcher did not assist. The clergymen were all present, and there seemed
to be a general understanding that they had been ruled long enough in
the interest and by the will of a single man. A subscription was raised
for a large amount, and the sum offered to any one who would discover
the fugitives.

The next morning Mr. Belcher found the village quiet and very reticent,
and having learned that a subscription had been raised without calling
upon him, he laughingly expressed his determination to win the reward
for himself.

Then he turned his grays up the hill, had a long consultation with Mr.
Buffum, who informed him of the fate of old Tilden, and started at a
rapid pace toward Number Nine.

CHAPTER VII.

IN WHICH JIM AND MIKE CONLIN PASS THROUGH A GREAT TRIAL AND COME OUT
VICTORIOUS.

"There, Turk, there they