remaining where you are until this
matter--be it what it may--is disposed of, and I will then stroll out
with you," said Carlton. Then, turning to the waiter, said, "Show the
gentleman up at once." The obsequious attendant bowed and withdrew.

In a few moments the door was thrown open, and a spruce, dapper looking
gentleman, clothed in sombre colored garments, irreproachable linen, and
carrying a small merino bag in his hand, was ushered in.

"I believe I have the pleasure of speaking to Captain Arthur Carlton of
H.M. Light Dragoons," said that individual, as he advanced towards the
table, at which the two friends were seated.

"Late of the Light Dragoons," replied Carlton, "for I have sold out--or,
what amounts to the same thing, I have directed the Army Agent to do
so"--pointing as he spoke to a vacant chair.

The man of law availing himself of this piece of politeness took the
chair, placing his bag on the carpet at his feet.

"And what may be your pleasure or business with me? You may speak out,"
said Carlton, noticing the glance that his visitor threw at the surgeon,
"that gentleman is my most intimate friend and brother officer."

"I have a few questions to ask concerning your father and grandfather,
the answering of which may lead to something, I have no doubt, will, at
no distant date, prove of much importance to you and yours," was the
reply.

"Proceed then," said Arthur, "with your interrogations, and I will reply
to the best of my ability, though I must candidly confess that I know
very little of the early history of my father, and still less of my
grandfather, for they both spent so many years abroad, in India and on
the European Continent."

Mr. Capias hereupon drew from his bag a small bundle of letters and
papers and arranged them on the table in front of him, then commenced
his enquiries as follows:

"Will you be so good as to state the name and position of your father,
his place of birth, the school or college where he was educated, and the
place of residence at his decease."

"Arthur Howard Carlton, Colonel of Cavalry in the service of Her
Majesty, born at Montazuena, in Mexico, educated at Rugby, and died at
Exeter, Devonshire, England, in the fifty-sixth year of his age, leaving
but one son, your obedient servant," here Arthur bowed in a somewhat
stately manner to his, interrogater.

"Exactly so," said the lawyer, glancing at a paper he held in his hand,
which he then placed on the table