that of the preceding night.

"The leddies from Gangoil, Giles, have been guid enough to ride over
and see me," said his mother.

Medlicot, of course, shook hands with them, and expressed his sense
of their kindness, but he did it awkwardly. He soon, however,
declared his purpose of riding part of the way back with them.

"Mr. Heathcote must have been very wet last night," he said, when
they were on horse-back, addressing himself to Kate Daly rather than
to her sister.

"Indeed he was--wet to the skin. Were you not?"

"I saw him at about eleven, before the rain began. I was close home,
and just escaped. He must have been under it all. Does he often go
about the run in that way at night?"

"Only when he's afraid of fires," said Kate.

"Is there much to be afraid of? I don't suppose that any body can be
so wicked as to wish to burn the grass." Then the ladies took upon
themselves to explain. "The fires might be caused from negligence or
trifling accidents, or might possibly come from the unaided heat of
the sun; or there might be enemies."

"My word! yes; enemies, rather!" said Jacko, who was riding close
behind, and who had no idea of being kept out of the conversation
merely because he was a servant. Medlicot, turning round, looked at