kinder treatment would have been extended to her brother at the hands
of her husband."

"Eh, what! Are you Edmund; risen from the grave?" asked the knight in
high surprise.

"I am Edmund, sure enough," was the reply, "but I have not risen
from the grave. I am not astrologer enough for that. This is a sorry
welcome, and no mistake."

"Faith, man, how could I tell it were thee? We thought thee dead
twelve months agone. Come in, man, come in; there's no occasion for
thee to tarry there now. Let him in, Wilton, and be sure the gates are
well fastened to-night. Robert and Lucy will be right glad to see you
again," he said, "especially Little Robert, who has never forgotten
those little iron toys that you made for him two years ago."

Edmund Wynne needed no second invitation. He hurried through the open
portals and the two walked up together towards the inhabited part of
the building.

"This is indeed a strange surprise," began Sir Ronald, as soon as they
were out of danger of being overheard. "We felt sure that thou wast
dead, and have often thought of thee. Where hast thou been?"

"Hiding in the country. I have been a village smith."

"A smith!" cried the knight. "Then that fancy of yours for working
with metals has stood thee in good stead for once?"