oved to hear him talk on those matters; and so, Sir, I was struck
by all he said, and could not rest till I took to gardening myself, and
ever since I have gone on, more pleased with it every day of my life.
Indeed, Sir, I think these harmless pursuits make a man's heart better
and kinder to his fellow-creatures; and I always take more pleasure in
reading the Bible, specially the New Testament, after having spent the
day in the garden. Ah! well, I should like to know, what has become of
that poor gentleman."

"I can relieve your honest heart about him. Mr. Aram is living in--,
well off in the world, and universally liked; though he still keeps to
his old habits of reserve."

"Ay, indeed, Sir! I have not heard any thing that pleased me more this
many a day."

"Pray," said Walter, after a moment's pause, "do you remember the
circumstance of a Mr. Clarke appearing in this town, and leaving it in a
very abrupt and mysterious manner?"

"Do I mind it, Sir? Yes, indeed. It made a great noise in
Knaresbro'--there were many suspicions of foul play about it. For my
part, I too had my thoughts, but that's neither here nor there;" and the
old man recommenced weeding with great diligence.

"My friend," said Walter, mastering his emotion; "you would serve me
more deeply than I can express, if you would give me any information,
any conjecture, respecting this--this Mr. Clarke. I have come hither,
solely to make inquiry after his fate: in a word, he is--or was--a near
relative of mine!"

The old man looked wistfully in Walter's face. "Indeed," said he,
slowly, "you are welcome, Sir, to all I know; but that is very little,
or nothing rather. But will you turn up this walk, Sir? it's more
retired. Did you ever hear of one Richard Houseman?"

"Houseman! yes. He knew my poor--, I mean he knew Clarke; he said Clarke
was in his debt when he left the town so suddenly."

The old man shook his head mysteriously, and looked round. "I will tell
you," said he, laying his hand on Walter's arm, and speaking in his
ear--"I would not accuse any one wrongfully, but I have my doubts that
Houseman murdered him."

"Great God!" murmured Walter, clinging to a post for support. "Go
on--heed me not--heed me not--for mercy's sake go on."

"Nay, I know nothing certain--nothing certain, believe me," said the
old man, shocked at the effect his words had produced: "it may be better
than I think for, and my reasons are not very strong, but you shall hea