ame in sight of the lodge, the clang of an iron gate falling
into position, brought a cry of dismay from her lips. He had reached the
highway. Dared she follow him there?

Clara came out into the avenue, panting for breath. She could hear his
quick steps upon the road. How terribly fast he was walking toward the
village. Yes, he was surely going that way.

Old Badger stood in the lodge door, shaded by a trailing drapery of ivy,
and saw the young lady standing there in the moonlight, wringing her
hands and absolutely crying. In his astonishment he addressed Jules
confidentially, as she lay on the stepping stone at his feet.

"It is the young lady as sure as you live, old girl, and she's a
following that handsome fellow as just left a golden sovereign in my
hand, Jules. Something has happened up yonder, Jules. The master has
come back and found out what you and I knew all the time. If that
handsome brother of my lady hasn't got a ticket-of-leave, I lose my
guess; but what are we to do with the young lady, old girl? That is what
is a puzzling me just now."

Jules arose, stretched herself, and threw out one paw as she settled
down again, when Badger broke out in a glow of admiration.

"Right, Jules. In a matter where the sects are concerned, you are true
as a clock. I'll show myself; I'll help her."

Jules gave a faint yelp, which brought Clara to the door.

"Oh, Badger, you here! Go and call him back. Here is some money; run
like a deer; tell him I want to speak with him--must speak with him.
It's about Lady Hope; but no matter. Why don't you start, Badger? It's
half an hour since I first told you."

But Badger did not start. He stood a little way from the door, examining
the money she had given him, by the moonlight, and muttering to himself;
when the impatient girl broke out again.

"A shilling! Was it only a shilling I gave you? How provoking! I thought
it was gold. Well, start! start! and I'll make it a sovereign--two,
three--only bring him back!"

Old Badger went off with a rush now. Ordering Jules to stay with the
young mistress and mind the gate, he made swift progress down the road.

"I say, sir! I say! Halloo! I say!"

Hepworth checked his rapid walk, and looked back. Badger came up with a
run, feeling that some extra exertion was necessary, when so much gold
lay in the question.

"There is a person--well, a lady--a young lady--who wishes to have you
turn back, sir. She is waiting at the lodge, sir;