undetermined, in the confusion of the moment, what to do. Briskly
rode Mr. Halpin away; and only a few moments would pass before he
discovered the outrage perpetrated against him, and that by a man
for whom he had entertained the kindest feelings in advance, and
even gone out of his way to serve.

"Oh, why did I act with such mad haste!" exclaimed Mr. Bolton, as he
thought this, and saw but a moment or two intervening between him
and the bitterest humiliation. He might repair the wrong, and, in
his heart, he resolved to do it. But what could restore to him the
good opinion of his neighbour? Nothing! That was gone for ever.

So troubled, oppressed, and shame-stricken was Mr. Bolton, that he
remained on the spot where Mr. Halpin had left him, looking after
the latter until he arrived at the place where an obstruction had
been thrown in his way. By this time, the very breath of Bolton was
suspended. Unbounded was his surprise, as he observed Mr. Halpin
leap from his horse, swing open the gate, and pass through. Had he
seen aright? He rubbed his eyes and looked again. Mr. Halpin had
closed the gate, and was on the other side, in the act of mounting
his horse.

"Have I done right?" said a voice at this moment.

Bolton started, and, on looking around, saw Mr. Dix.

"Yes, you have done right!" he returned, with an emotion that he
could not conceal: "and from my heart I thank you for this kind
office. You have saved me from the consequences of a hasty,
ill-judged, ill-natured act--consequences that would have been most