"What's that?" cried Mattha from within; "I thought it might be the
sneck of a gate."




CHAPTER XXVI.

"FOOL, DO NOT FLATTER."


When Mrs. Garth reached home, after her interview with Rotha in the
road, there was a velvety softness in her manner as of one who had a
sense of smooth satisfaction with herself and her surroundings.

The blacksmith, who was working at a little bench which he had set up
in the kitchen, was also in a mood of more than usual cheerfulness.

"Ey, he's caught--as good as caught," said Mrs. Garth.

Her son laughed, but there was the note of forced merriment in his
voice.

"Where do they say he is--Lancaster?"

"That's it, not a doubt on't."

"Were they sure of him--the man at Lancaster?"