"The descendants of Egbert and Bettina still live happily in their
ancestral home," added Carlton, "and often relate the story of the
manner in which the famous bandit Petard was foiled by the gallant
and daring stratagem of Egbert Hosfeldt."

"This is a happy ending, indeed," said Florinda.






CHAPTER VIII.

A RIVAL.





Excellent! I smell a device.

-Twelfth Night.

EVERY picture has its dark side-no scene is all sunshine; and so it
is our duty to depict the shadow as well as the brightness of the
fortunes of those whose story we relate. Carlton had met with
opposition, circumstances which he had bravely overcome had impeded
his progress, physical suffering had been patiently endured, and yet