und to be in it," remarked Dr Harry.

"Half and half?" asked John Murchison.

"No," contributed Mrs Williams. "Mr Milburn two and Dr Henry one. Mr
Milburn is Walter's uncle, you know."

Mr Williams fastened an outraged glance on his wife, who looked another
way. Whatever he thought proper to do, it was absolutely understood that
she was to reveal nothing of what "came in," and was even carefully to
conserve anything she heard outside with a view to bringing it in. Mrs
Williams was too prone to indiscretion in the matter of letting news
slip prematurely; and as to its capture, her husband would often
confess, with private humour, that Minnie wasn't much of a mouser.

"Well, that's something to be thankful for," said Mrs Murchison. "I lay
awake for two hours last night thinking of that boy in jail, and his
poor old father, seventy-nine years of age, and such a fine old man, so
thoroughly respected."

"I don't know the young fellow," said Dr Drummond, "but they say he's
of good character, not over-solid, but bears a clean reputation. They're
all Tories together, of course, the Ormistons."

"It's an old U. E. Loyalist family," remarked Advena. "Mr Ormiston has
one or two rather interesting Revolutionary trophies at his house out
there."

"None the worse for that. None the worse for that," said Dr Drummond.

"Old Ormiston's father," contributed the editor of the Express, "had a
Crown grant of the whole of Moneida Reservation at one time. Government
actually bought it back from him to settle the Indians there. He was a
well-known Family Compact man, and fought tooth and nail for the Clergy
Reserves in 'fifty."

"Well, well," said Dr Drummond, with a twinkle. "We'll hope young
Ormiston is innocent, nevertheless."

"Nasty business for the Federal Bank if he is," Mr Williams went on.
"They're a pretty unpopular bunch as it is."

"Of course he's innocent," contributed Stella, with indignant eyes; "and
when they prove it, what can he do to the bank for taking him up? That's
what I want to know."

Her elders smiled indulgently. "A lot you know about it, kiddie," said
Oliver. It was the only remark he made during the meal. Alec passed
the butter assiduously, but said nothing at all. Adolescence was
inarticulate in Elgin on occasions of ceremony.

"I hear they've piled up some big evidence," said Mr Williams. "Young
Ormiston's been fool enough to do some race-betting lately. Minnie,
I wish you'd get Mrs Murchison to s