with self-complacency, as if he would say, "I alone have done it."

First there was the testimony of Mr. Hadleigh, written down at his bedside by a duly qualified gentleman-to the effect that he had made an appointment to meet the prisoner as the latter had affirmed, and for the purpose mentioned by him. Next Philip gave the man an excellent character for intelligence, sobriety, and honesty. He was followed by half-a-dozen witnesses who had seen Caleb's brave rescue of Mr. Hadleigh when no one else would dare to attempt it. Last came a blubbering housemaid, who under the tutelage of

Sergeant of

Sergeant Dier,

confessed that she had

been too much

frightened to confess before. She had been sitting up late writing a letter (to her sweetheart of course-these things occupy a great deal of time), and hearing voices down-stairs, she had gone into the passage, curious to discover the cause of the disturbance. As she was retreating hastily, she upset a paraffin lamp; but in her eagerness to get back to

her room, she did not observe any signs of fire, or think of any danger until she heard the alarm.

The result of this evidence was a severe reprimand to the idiotic housemaid, and the instant discharge of Caleb Kersey without a stain on his character, and with a high compliment from the Bench on the gallantry he had displayed in the rescue of Mr. Hadleigh.

Caleb thanked his Worship, and retired, but not before Mr. Jackson had whispered that it was a question whether he had not grounds for an action against Coutts Hadleigh. Poor Caleb neither understood nor heeded this suggestion in his present state of mind.

He wanted to get away

from the place. He was stopped, however, by Philip, who grasped his hand warmly, and asked him to come back to the works.

Thank you kindly, sir; but it may not be. I am bound to cross the water, and seek some place where I can forget the old land and-the old friends."

"Hoot, man, what clavers," exclaimed the gardener, stepping forward. "You should not be headstrong. There's as good living in the auld country as in the new, if you would seek it in the right way. And I'm sure you would succeed wi' the knowledge of flowers you hae gotten from me—especially about the geraaniums."

A kindly hand pressed Caleb's arm, and a soft voice said in a tone of intense relief:

"I am glad you are safe."

Caleb pressed Pansy's hand in his own, and held it firmly for a few seconds.

"I'm obliged to you," he said quietly, although huskily. "I wish you well."

And with that he forced his way through

the crowd of friends and disappeared.

CHAPTER LVII.

THE SECRET OF THE OAK PARLOUR.

AT Willowmere the rapidity with which Mr. Hadleigh regained strength astounded Dr. Joy, and delighted the patient's nurses, Aunt Hessy and Madge.

"Wonderful nerve, wonderful physique he must have," whispered Dr. Joy admiringly on the fifth day; "and yet, according to all accounts, he did not study the economy of either in the course of his life. Well, well; we do come across extraordinary constitutions occasionally, and his is one of them."

The peculiarity of the case was that, after the first shock, the patient was perfectly calm, and showed not the remotest symptom of delirium. He understood everything that passed around him, and when permitted, talked quietly about the fire, and listened

attentively to all that was related to him regarding it.

He heard with pleased surprise the account of how Caleb had rescued him, and said to Madge: "I must do something for that man; but it will have to be by your hand, for he is evidently resolved to accept nothing from mine."

"We will have to find out where he is, before we can do anything for him. He intended to go to Australia; but the day after he regained his freedom, he wrote to Philip saying that he had altered his mind, and was going to the United States."

Why did not Philip keep him here?" "He tried to persuade him to remain, but could not Poor Caleb, he does

not know what a sorry heart he has left behind him.” Here she checked herself, feeling that she was entering upon delicate ground. "He sent good wishes to you, and to all of us, and promised to write again to Philip, so that we may have an opportunity of serving him yet."