the new Earl of Heathermere should
lose no time in claiming his title and property."

"Lucky fellow!" said Macdonald. "And in what a cool, matter-of-fact way
he takes his good fortune!"

"He is a man of the world--that accounts for it," said I.

"It is purely a matter of breeding," Christopher Burley replied stiffly.
"Blood tells always. His lordship is a worthy descendant of an ancient
family."

"Then you won't admit that I, or Carew here, would be as well fitted to
fill the position?" Macdonald asked laughingly.

What reply the law clerk would have made will never be known, for just
then from the upper part of the house rang a woman's shrill scream.

"My God, that is Flora's voice!" I cried.

"Come with me, gentlemen!" shouted the factor.

He led the way, with Burley and I at his heels. In a trice we were
upstairs, and dashing along the hall.

"Help--help! Be quick!"

The summons guided us straight to Captain Rudstone's room, from the open
door of which streamed a yellow light. I was the first to pass the
threshold, and I shall never forget the sight that greeted me--Flora
holding a twisted paper in one hand and with the other pointing a pistol
at Captain Rudstone, who stood six feet from her, with his back to a
glowing stove; his face was very white, but his bearing was defiant.

"Seize him!" Flora cried, when she saw us.

Macdonald and Burley grabbed the captain, who did not resist. I caught
hold of Flora, and she thrust the paper into my hand.

"Take it, Denzil," she said faintly. "I saved it--"

CHAPTER XLVII.

CONCLUSION.

By this time the other inmates of the house, including Mrs. Macdonald,
had assembled in the doorway in various stages of attire, in a state of
consternation and alarm. I had no inkling of what the affair meant; my
first thought was to revive Flora. I placed her in a big chair, and the
factor hurried off for brandy. Meanwhile Captain Rudstone had waved off
the detaining hold of the law clerk. He stood with folded arms, pale to
the lips, regarding me with an expression of half-veiled scorn.

Macdonald returned with the liquor, and a small portion of it, forced
between Flora's teeth, quickly brought her round. She insisted on
rising, and clung to me for support.

"Has he escaped?" she asked eagerly. "No, there he is!" she pointed to
Captain Rudstone. "Liar, thief, impostor!" she said, half-hysterically.
"You a