the truth," said Tom, as he wiped the big
drops of perspiration from his forehead. "Be gorra, I never seed your
like afore!"

"I told you that I was a _determined_ man," said Linton, sternly; "and
I'm sorry to see that's not what I should say of _you_." He moved a step
or two as he spoke, and then turning carelessly back, added, "Leave that
money for me at 'The house' this evening; I don't wish to carry gold
about me on the roads here." And with this negligent remark he departed.

Linton sauntered carelessly away; nothing in his negligent air and
carriage to show that he was not lounging to kill the weary hours of
a winter's day. No sooner, however, had he turned an angle of the road
than he entered the wood, and with cautious steps retraced his way,
till he stood within a few paces of where Keane yet sat, still and
motionless.

His worn hat was pressed down upon his brows, his hands were firmly
clasped, and his head bent so as to conceal his features; and in this
attitude he remained as rigidly impassive as though he were seized with
a catalepsy. A few heavy drops of rain fell, and then a low growling
roar of thunder followed, but he heeded not these signs of coming storm.
The loud cawing of the rooks as they hastened homeward filled the
air, but he never once lifted his head to watch them! Another crash
of thunder was heard, and suddenly the rain burst forth in torrents.
Swooping along in heavy drifts, it blackened the very atmosphere, and
rushed in rivulets down the gravel walk; but still he sat, while the
pelting storm penetrated his frail garments and soaked them through. Nor
was it till the water lay in pools at his feet that he seemed conscious
of the hurricane. Then rising suddenly, he shook himself roughly, and
entered the house.

Linton's eyes were earnestly fixed upon the stone--he crept nearer to
observe it. The money was gone.

CHAPTER XXIII. LINTON IS BAFFLED--HIS RAGE AT THE DISCOVERY

The mask is falling fast.--Harold.

The day of the great masquerade arrived; and, from an early hour, the
whole household was astir in preparing for the occasion. The courtyard
was thronged with carriages of various sorts. Confectioners from London,
table-deckers from Paris, were there, accompanied by all the insignia of
their callings. Great lumbering packing-cases were strewn about; while
rich stuffs, rare exotics, and costly delicacies littered the stone
benches, and even lay upon the pavement, in a