Colonel Le Noir left off caressing his chin for an instant, and,
with a wave of his dainty hand, silently intimated that the young
man should proceed.

Traverse then began and delivered the dying directions of the late
doctor, to the effect that his daughter Clara Day should not be
removed from the paternal mansion, but that she should be suffered
to remain there, retaining as a matronly companion her old friend
Mrs. Marah Rocke.

"Umm! umm! very ingenious, upon my word!" commented the colonel,
still caressing his chin.

"I have now delivered my whole message, sir, and have only to add
that I hope, for Miss Day's sake, there will be no difficulty thrown
in the way of the execution of her father's last wishes, which are
also, sir, very decidedly her own" said Traverse.

"Umm! doubtless they are--and also yours and your worthy mother's."

"Sir, Miss Day's will in this matter is certainly mine. Apart from
the consideration of her pleasure, my wishes need not be consulted.
As soon as I have seen Miss Day made comfortable I leave for the far
West," said Traverse, with much dignity.

"Umm! and leave mama here to guard the golden prize until your
return, eh?" sneered the colonel.

"Sir, I do not--wish to understand you," said Traverse with a