n in Dorsetshire," said Mr Trevor. "He succeeded to the Austin
estates, and has taken the name."

"'Tis he--'tis he--I'll swear to it," cried McShane. "Phillaloo!
Murder and Irish! the murder's out now. No wonder this gentleman
wouldn't return my visit, and keeps himself entirely at home. I beg
your pardon, Mr Trevor, but what sort of a looking personage may he be,
for as I have said, I have never seen this Mr Austin?"

"A fine, tall, soldierly man; I should say rough, but still not vulgar;
dark hair and eyes, aquiline nose; if I recollect right--"

"'Tis the man!" exclaimed O'Donahue.

"And his wife--did you see her?" asked McShane.

"No I did not," replied Mr Trevor.

"Well, I have seen her very often," rejoined McShane; "and a very nice
creature she appears to be. I have never been in their house in my
life. I called and left my card, that's all; but I have met her several
times; however, as you have not seen her, that proves nothing; and now,
Mr Trevor, what do you think we should do?"

"I really am not prepared to advise; it is a case of great difficulty; I
think, however, it would be advisable for you to call upon young
Rushbrook, and see what you can obtain from him; after that, if you come
here to-morrow morning, I will be better prepared to give you an
answer."

"I will do as you wish, sir; I will call upon my friend first, and my
name's not McShane if I don't call upon his father afterwards."

"Do nothing rashly, I beg," replied Mr Trevor; "recollect you have come
to me for advice, and I think you are bound at least to hear what I have
to propose before you act."

"That's the truth, Mr Trevor; so now with many thanks, we will take our
leave, and call upon you to-morrow."

McShane and O'Donahue then proceeded to the gaol, and demanded
permission to see our hero.

"There are two ladies with him, just now," said the gaoler; "they have
been there these three hours, so I suppose they will not be much
longer."

"We will wait, then," replied O'Donahue.

In about a quarter of an hour Mrs Austin and Mary made their
appearance; the former was closely veiled when she entered the gaoler's
parlour, in which O'Donahue and McShane were waiting. It had not been
the intention of Mrs Austin to have gone into the parlour, but her
agitation and distress had so overcome her that she could scarcely walk,
and Mary had persuaded her as she came down to go in and take glass of
water. The gentlemen rose when s