carrying a small merino bag in his hand, was ushered in.

"I believe I have the pleasure of speaking to Captain Arthur Carlton of
H.M. Light Dragoons," said that individual, as he advanced towards the
table, at which the two friends were seated.

"Late of the Light Dragoons," replied Carlton, "for I have sold out--or,
what amounts to the same thing, I have directed the Army Agent to do
so"--pointing as he spoke to a vacant chair.

The man of law availing himself of this piece of politeness took the
chair, placing his bag on the carpet at his feet.

"And what may be your pleasure or business with me? You may speak out,"
said Carlton, noticing the glance that his visitor threw at the surgeon,
"that gentleman is my most intimate friend and brother officer."

"I have a few questions to ask concerning your father and grandfather,
the answering of which may lead to something, I have no doubt, will, at
no distant date, prove of much importance to you and yours," was the
reply.

"Proceed then," said Arthur, "with your interrogations, and I will reply
to the best of my ability, though I must candidly confess that I know
very little of the early history of my father, and still less of my
grandfather, for they both spent so many years abroad, in India and on
the European Continent."

Mr. Capias hereupon drew from his bag a small bundle of letters and
papers and arranged them on the table in front of him, then commenced