"I have the honor, I believe, of addressing Sir Thomas Gourlay?"

"Yes, you have that honor."

"And may I beg to know his object in paying me this unceremonious
visit, in which he does not condescend either to announce himself, or to
observe the usual rules of good-breeding?"

"From my rank and known position in this part of the country, and in my
capacity also as a magistrate, sir," replied the baronet, "I'm entitled
to make such inquiries as I may deem necessary from those who appear
here under suspicious circumstances."

"Perhaps you may think so, but I am of opinion, sir, that you would
consult the honor of the rank and position you allude to much more
effectually, by letting such inquiries fall within the proper province
of the executive officers of law, whenever you think there is a
necessity for it."

"Excuse me, but, in that manner, I shall follow my own judgment, not
yours."

"And under what circumstances of suspicion do you deem me to stand at
present?"

"Very strong circumstances. You have been now living here nearly a week,
in a privacy which no gentleman would ever think of observing. You have
hemmed yourself in by a mystery, sir; you have studiously concealed your
name--your connections--and defaced every mark by which you could be