revolver to its former resting-place; "but I feel
confident that it was either a trick of the imagination with you, or that
some one is playing a practical joke upon us. So set your tears at rest,
dear child, and let us hasten on our way."

Elsie yielded to his better judgment, trying to believe it nothing worse
than a practical joke; but had much ado to quiet her agitated nerves and
recover her composure before a brisk canter brought them to the Oaks, and
she must meet her father's keen eye.

They found Arthur in the drawing-room, chatting with Rose. He rose with a
bland, "Good-evening," and gallantly handed Elsie to a seat. Arthur was a
good deal changed since his recall from college; and in nothing more than
in his manner to Elsie; he was now always polite; often cordial even when
alone with her. He was not thoroughly reformed, but had ceased to gamble
and seldom drank to intoxication.

"Thank you; but indeed I must go at once and dress for tea," Elsie said,
consulting her watch. "You are not going yet?"

"No, he will stay to tea," said Rose.

"But must go soon after, as I have an engagement," added Arthur.

Elsie met her father in the hall. "Ah, you are at home again," he remarked
with a pleased look; "that is well; I was beginning to think you were
making it very late."

"But you are not uneasy when I am in such good hands, papa?"

"No, not exactly; but like better to take care of you myself."

The clock was just striking eight as Arthur mounted and rode away from his
brother's door. It was not a dark night, or yet very light; for though the
moon had risen, dark clouds were scudding across the sky, allowing but an
occasional glimpse of her face, and casting deep shadows over the
landscape.

In the partial obscurity of one of these, and only a few rods ahead of
him, when about half-way between the Oaks and Roselands, Arthur thought he
discovered the figure of a man standing by the roadside, apparently
waiting to halt him as he passed.

"Ha! you'll not take me by surprise, my fine fellow, whoever you may be,"
muttered Arthur between his set teeth, drawing out a revolver and cocking
it, "Halloo there! Who are you; and what d'ye want?" he called, as his
horse brought him nearly opposite the suspicious looking object.

"Your money or your life, Dinsmore," returned the other with a coarse
laugh. "Don't pretend not to know me, old chap."

"You!" exclaimed Arthur, with an oath, but half under his breath. "I