, that startled even
the utterer. What effect it had produced on my auditory I was left alone
to conjecture. The candle dropped from the incendiary's grasp, and the
spoil was left a prey to the bugbear that possessed their imaginations.
With feelings of unmixed delight, I heard them clear the stairs at a few
leaps, run through the hall, and soon afterwards a terrific bellow from
Gilbert announced their descent into the avenue.

Luckily the light was not extinct, and I lost no time in taking
possession of the document, which I considered of the most importance.
A number of loose papers, the contents of a huge trunk, were scattered
about; but my attention was more particularly directed to the paper
which had been the object of my uncle's visit to the Manor-house. To my
great joy, this was neither less nor more than my father's will,
witnessed and sealed in due form, wherein the possessions of my
ancestors were conveyed, absolutely and unconditionally, without entail,
unencumbered and unembarrassed, to me and to my assigns. I thought it
most likely that the papers in and about the trunk might be of use,
either as corroborative evidence, in case my uncle should choose to
litigate the point and brand the original document as a forgery, or as a
direct testimony to the validity of my claim. I was rather puzzled in
what manner to convey them from the place, so as not to excite
suspicion, should the two worthies return. I was pretty certain they
would not leave matters as they now stood when their fears were allayed,
and daylight would probably impart sufficient courage to induce them to
repeat their visit. On finding the papers removed, the nature of this
night's ghostly admonition would immediately be guessed, and measures
taken to thwart any proceedings which it might be in my power to adopt.
To prevent discovery, I hit upon the following expedient:--I sorted out
the waste paper, a considerable quantity of which served as envelopes to
the rest, setting fire to it in such a manner that the contents of the
trunk might appear to have been destroyed by the falling of the candle.
I succeeded very much to my own satisfaction. Disturbed and agonised as
my feelings had been during the discovery, the idea of having defeated
the plan of my iniquitous relative gave a zest to my acquisitions almost
as great as if I had already taken possession of my paternal
inheritance.

Before I left the apartment, I poured out my heart in thanksgivin