Mr. Clarkson shrugged his shoulders.

"He's after her money," said the other, with a cautious glance around.

"Money?" said the other, with an astonished laugh. "Why, she hasn't got
any."


[Illustration: "She'll be riding in her carriage and pair in six months"]


"Oh, all right," said Mr. Bignell. "You know best of course. I was just
giving you the tip, but if you know better--why, there's nothing more to
be said. She'll be riding in her carriage and pair in six months,
anyhow; the richest woman in Little Molton."

Mr. Clarkson stopped short and eyed him in perplexity.

"Digson got a bit sprung one night and told me," said Mr. Bignell. "She
don't know it herself yet--uncle on her mother's side in America. She
might know at any moment."

"But--but how did Digson know?" inquired the astonished Mr. Clarkson.

"He wouldn't tell me," was the reply. "But it's good enough for him.
What do you think he's after? Her? And mind, don't let on to a soul
that I told you."

He walked on, leaving Mr. Clarkson standing in a dazed condition in the