of the voice could have scarcely been accepted as final when he
heard but three words, still the whole thing hangs together. The
fellow was, I should say, capable of anything. I don't know that
I ever had a prisoner before me whose demeanor was so offensive
and insolent, and if it can be proved that Bastow is in England I
should certainly accept your view of the case. He would probably
have known both where the ladder was to be found and which was the
window of your father's bedroom."

"I should certainly think that he would know it, sir. The bedroom
was the same that my grandfather used to sleep in, and probably
during the years before we came here young Bastow would have often
been over the house. The first year or two after we came he was
often up here with his father, but I know that my father took such
an objection to him, his manner and language were so offensive,
that he would not have me, boy as I was--I was only about eleven
when he came here--associate with him in the smallest degree.
But during those two years he may very well have noticed where the
ladder was."

"Do you intend to say anything about all this tomorrow at the
inquest, Mark?"

"I don't think I shall do so," Mark said moodily. "I am certain
of it myself, but I don't think any man would convict him without
stronger evidence than I could give. However, that business in
Australia will be sufficient to hang him."

"I think you are right, Mark. Of course, if you do light upon any
evidence, we can bring this matter up in another court; if not,