used for executions by the barons of Ellangowan, was called the
Justice Tree. It chanced, and the coincidence was remarkable, that
Glossin was this morning engaged with a person whom he was in the
habit of consulting in such matters concerning some projected
repairs and a large addition to the house of Ellangowan, and that,
having no great pleasure in remains so intimately connected with
the grandeur of the former inhabitants, he had resolved to use the
stones of the ruinous castle in his new edifice. Accordingly he
came up the bank, followed by the land-surveyor mentioned on a
former occasion, who was also in the habit of acting as a sort of
architect in case of necessity. In drawing the plans, etc.,
Glossin was in the custom of relying upon his own skill. Bertram's
back was towards them as they came up the ascent, and he was quite
shrouded by the branches of the large tree, so that Glossin was
not aware of the presence of the stranger till he was close upon
him.

'Yes, sir, as I have often said before to you, the Old Place is a
perfect quarry of hewn stone, and it would be better for the
estate if it were all down, since it is only a den for smugglers.'
At this instant Bertram turned short round upon Glossin at the
distance of two yards only, and said--'Would you destroy this fine
old castle, sir?'

His face, person, and voice were so exactly those of his father in
his best days, that Glossin, hearing his exclamation, and seeing
such a sudden apparition in the shape of his patron, and on nearly
the very spot where he had expired, almost thought the grave had
given up its dead! He staggered back two or three paces, as if he
had received a sudden and deadly wound. He instantly recovered,