go. Come back. It will not be long to wait. Come to the village till
to-morrow. Let us at least get the advice of a lawyer. The law can
surely give an entrance to the rightful owner."

[Illustration: "HE DREW FROM HIS BREAST A LARGE CLASP-KNIFE."]

"But he doesn't deny an entrance to me," said Edith, "and if I go, you
shall come also. Come."

Miss Plympton hesitated. She saw that Edith was fully determined to go
to Dalton Hall, and she could not bear to part with her. But at the same
time she was so terrified at the thought of forcing a way in spite of
the opposition of so formidable a villain as Wiggins that she shrank
from it. Love at length triumphed over fear, and she followed Edith out
of the coach, together with the maid.

Meanwhile the porter had stood in deep perplexity watching this scene,
but at length when Miss Plympton had reached the ground and prepared to
follow Edith he put himself in front of them.

"Beg pardon, miss," said he, "but its agin orders for them others to go.
It's on'y you that Mr. Wiggins 'll let in."

"Mr. Wiggins has nothing to say about the matter," said Edith, coldly.

"But I've got to obey orders," said the man.

"Will you please stand aside and let me pass?" said Edith.

"I can't let them others in," said the porter, doggedly. "You may go."