Evening star., 1902-03-22
CHAPTER K.
Reconciliation.

John found his brother alone in the great
drawing room at Cover Castle He was
smoking a cigar, with his legs lying indo-
lently upon another armchair, and gazing
out to sea over the flashing waters of the
SOlway
"Well, young scapegrace," he cried. re-
moving his cigar and stretching out his
hand, what is this We hear Of you-run-
ming off couple OF girls from the parish
Of which you are to be the parson? What
Will the 'unco-guid' say to that as a cler-
ical qualification? And how you man
age to do 1t on hundred a year beats me.
I suppose you have brought little sched-
ule back to the governor Of Edinburgh-all
for post horses and marriage lines. Though
what you wanted with a brace of brides
hang me II I can make out. One to keep
the other company when you were Off ex-
planning things, I suppose!''
John Glendonwyn, haggard and unkempt
after long nights travel, and the Sleep
less anxiety which had preyed upon his
mind, stood Indignantly before his brother.
Rupert" he said. when he had suf-
fciently commanded himself, "enough of
this! Where have you hidden the girls? I
have come to find out. For that it was
you, and you alone, who planned and car
ried out the elopement 1 have not the
shadow of a doubt. The note which was
sent to the school to Fairlie Glendinning
has been found. 1 have seen 1t, and,
though there is an attempt to disguise the
hand. know 1t to be yours"
AS he spoke he took a paper from his
pocket and gave it to Rupert. The elder
brother swiftly thrust out his hand to take
it. but shade Of disappointment crossed
his face as his eyes fell upon it.
My writing"' he cried. and laughed
sardonically. why that is yours. John
wonder that you have the face to deny it. -
retorted John, fercely 1.-The original is
with the girls father. where 1t will remain
TIL the appointed time
My dear. simple boy" said Rupert, toll
erantly. II have a little elementary advice
to give you. Papa is not exactly pleased
with you. and he might make things very
unpleasant. Do not anger him, and I will
see you through.
But even you will admit that I, whom
you come here hectoring to accuse-I who
have been spending my time in beseeching
my father to moderate his anger against
you-have an answer worth 100 alibis!-
Look therav
He threw off a light coverlet which had
been over his knees and discovered his
right leg bound in spints and swathed in
bandages. 1t was on foot rest and ap-
peared formidable indeed. John started
aghast
Rupert nodded lightly. almost fippantly.
les, ne Sdlu, II DrOke my ankle bone
three weeks last Tuesday. Bravo ehied
at a piece of paper and threw me-a nasty
trick Of his. He hates to come suddenly
on anything white. think had stayed too
late at the Cross Keys with some men I
knew.
Here come Grierson and the doctor.
Stop and see the dressing, John. 1t will
ease your doubts"
The butler of Castle Cover showed in a
tall. slim. dark man with sinister eyes.
How do. Warner? See here. Grierson.
how long Is 1t since was laid by the heels
here? Three weeks and two days says
YOU"
Thank you. dootor-all goes we'll This
Is unwrapping day, and you forgotten? My
brother wants to stop and see the operation
Not much to see now. Is there, Warner?
He ought to have been hero q week ago,
eh. doctor? Then we could have shown
Kim something worth looking att
AT this moment Grierson came In again.
He had gone out In the midst Of Rupert's 8
chatter.
III you please. Master John, Mr. Glen
donwyn is waiting to see you In the
library"
"Whee-eew! wh;stled Rupert. II fear
me the rods In pickle. my son. Headmas-
ter to see you in his room. you know. Cad,
how remember the feelingi And I've not
got over 1t yet. when have any little