rphans by t' score," "Ay," said the
other, "but there's a worse villain behoind, that found t' brass for t'
job and tempted this one. We'll catch him yet; ah, then we'll not trouble
judge, nor jury, nor hangman neether."

"The wretches!" said Monckton. "What! fire a mine! No punishment is
enough for them." With this sentiment he retired, and never went near the
mine again. He wired for a pal of his and established him at the Dun Cow.
These two were in constant communication. Monckton's friend was a very
clever gossip, and knew how to question without seeming curious, and the
gossiping landlady helped him. So, between them, Monckton heard that
Walter was down with a fever and not expected to live, and that Hope was
confined to his bed and believed to be sinking. Encouraged by this state
of things, Monckton made many artful preparations, and resolved to levy a
contribution upon Colonel Clifford.

At this period of his manoeuvres fortune certainly befriended him
wonderfully; he found Colonel Clifford alone, and likely to be
alone; and, at the same time, prepared by Grace Clifford's half
revelation, and violent agitation, to believe the artful tale this
villain came to tell him.

CHAPTER XXV.

RETRIBUTION.

Monckton, during his long imprisonment at Dartmoor, came under many
chaplains, and he was popular with them all; because when they inquired
into the state of his soul he represented it as humble, penitent, and
purified. Two of these gentlemen were High-Church, and he noticed their
peculiarities: one was a certain half-musical monotony in speaking which
might be called by a severe critic sing-song. Perhaps they thought the
intoning of the service in a cathedral could be transferred with
advantage to conversation.

So now, to be strictly in character, this personage not only dressed
High-Church, but threw a sweet musical monotony into the communication he
made to Colonel Clifford.

And if the reader will compare this his method of speaking with the
matter of his discourse, he will be sensible of a singular contrast.

After the first introduction, Monckton intoned very gently that he had a
communication to make on the part of a lady which was painful to him, and
would be painful to Colonel Clifford; but, at all events, it was
confidential, and if the Colonel thought proper, would go no further.

"I think, sir, you have a son whose name is Walter?"

"I have a son, and his name is Walter," said the Colonel