Mrs Metcalfe had never one thought that way." " Well, I seed him tryin' to kiss her one day> onyway, sir." Roy looked surprised, but he had no thought to spare for that part of the business. Mark's " trying " to kiss any ono was no proof tliat there was love between them, and that Milly's affections had been bestowed elsewhere he well know. " Soames, you speak positively as to Mr Boyd being tho guilty person. Are you quite sure that you are not mistaken P" " Sir, I wish I could bo, I seed it all too plain, and I've never had a 'appy moment sin. Many's the time, speshly sin Miss Milly's marriage, as I've thowt o' dimming and axing you if my tong might not have its freedom. I could not see sir, beggin' your pardon, why you wanted to let Mr Boyd off at poor Mr Bertie's—l should say Lord Lane's—expense r "I have been careless in your welfare," admitted Roy, ruefully. "You see, Mr Roy, I've a sister as is upper housemaid at Briarwood, and I've heerd from her of the lonely life of her ladyship, his mother, and of what his poor lordship's sufferings must hev bin. I'stead of bein' grand he've got to work like me for his living, and he's no more guilty nor you nor me, sir!" " You have not told me yet, Soames, how it is you are so sure that Mr Boyct's gun killed poor Mr Troveryan." " Why, sir, I seed him. With these own eyes o' mine. I corned through the under wood and seed him stoopin' and takin' deliberate aim. Ses I to mesel, Mr Boyd is deytermined not to lose his bird, and the thowt had barely entered mi heed when I seed poor Mr Treveryan fly up into the air a screechin'. Mr Boyd turned and moight a seen me but his eyes—and, oh, my, they had a horful wicked light in 'em—Was lifted to his gun, and " "Soames, why did you not seize him then?" "I can't tell what corned over me, sir. It wur like as if a panic seized me. I flew in the other direction. I don't think as I feared poor Mr Treveryan was dead. 