asunder."

TOM and his Cousin were surprised the next morning by a visit from
Mr. Mortimer and his friend Merrywell, whose dismal features and long
visages plainly indicated some unpleasant disaster, and Tom began to
fear blame would be attached to them for leaving his party at Darkhouse
Lane.

"Pray," said Merrywell, "can you tell me where to find your friend
Sparkle?"

"Indeed," replied Dashall, a little relieved by this question, "I am not
Sparkle's keeper; but pray be seated--what is the matter, is it a duel,
do you want a second?--I know he is a good shot."

"This levity, Sir," said Mortimer, "is not to be borne. The honour of a
respectable family is at stake, and must be satisfied. No doubt you,
as his very oldest friend, know where he is; and I desire you will
immediately inform me, or------"

"Sir," said Dashall, who was as averse as unused to be desired by any
person--"do you know whom you address, and that I am in my own house?
if you do, you have certainly discarded all propriety of conduct and
language before you cross'd the threshold."

"Gentlemen," said Merrywell, "perhaps some explanation is really
necessary here. My friend Mortimer speaks under agonized feelings,
for which, I am sure, your good sense will make every allowance. Miss
Mortimer------"

"Miss Mortimer," exclaimed Dashall, rising from his ~352~~ seat, "you
interest me strongly, say, what of Miss Mortimer?"

"Alas," said Mortimer, evidently endeavouring to suppress emotions which
appeared to agitate his whole frame, and absorb every mental faculty,
"we are unable to account for her absence, and strongly suspect she is
in company with your friend Sparkle--can you give us any information
relative to either of them?"

Dashall assured them he knew nothing of the fugitives, but that he
would certainly make every inquiry in his power, if possible to find
out Sparkle. Upon which they departed, though not without hinting they
expected Tom had the power of making a search more effectually than
either Mortimer or Merrywell.

"Egad!" said Tom to Tallyho, "this absence of Sparkle means something
more than I can at present conceive; and it appears that we must
now venture forth in search of our guide. I hope he has taken a good
direction himself."

"Mortimer appears hurt," continued Bob, "and I can scarcely wonder at
it."

"It is a trifle in high life now-a-days," replied Dashall, "and my life
for it we shall obtain some clue to his mode of