pleasure it is to keep Mr. Nokes in the neighborhood."

The two women stood awe-struck for a moment, but a sense of justice
prevailed upon the wife to speak. "That may be all true," she said.
"Perhaps it is as you say about that man. But you would not therefore
think that Mr. Medlicot knows any thing about it?"

"It would be impossible," said Kate.

"I have not accused him," said Harry; "but he knows that the man was
dismissed, and yet keeps him about the place. Of course he is
responsible."




CHAPTER IV.

HARRY HEATHCOTE'S APPEAL.


For the first mile between the wool-shed and the house Heathcote and
the two ladies rode without saying a word. There was something so
terrible in the reality of the danger which encompassed them that
they hardly felt inclined to discuss it. Harry's dislike to Medlicot
was quite a thing apart. That some one had intended to burn down the
wool-shed, and had made preparation for doing so, was as apparent to
the women as to him. And the man who had been balked by a shower of
rain in his first attempt might soon find an opportunity for a
second. Harry was well aware that even Jacko's assertion could not be