"Yes, sir," said Manager Ryland, who agreed to every opinion advanced by
his chief.

"Well, then, I shall go down to Rockhold to-morrow, and investigate this
matter for myself. In my capacity of justice of the peace I shall issue
a warrant to have that woman brought before me on a charge of vagrancy,
and then I shall examine her on this point. But, Ryland, you are to be
careful not to drop even a hint of my intention."

"Of course I will not, sir," replied the manager, and then, as there
seemed no more to do or say, he took his leave.

Old Aaron Rockharrt strode into the drawing room where his wife and
granddaughter sat, and astonished them by saying:

"Pack up your things this afternoon. We leave for Rockland by the first
train to-morrow morning."

He deigned no explanation, but turned and stalked off.

The three reached North End at noon. As their arrival was to be a
surprise, no carriage had been ordered to meet them. But the large,
comfortable hack from the North End Hotel was engaged, and in it they
rode on to Rockhold, where they pulled up two hours later, to the
astonishment and consternation of the household, who, be it whispered,
had almost as lief been confronted with his satanic majesty as to be
surprised by their despotic master.

Leaving his womenkind to get domestic affairs into order, the Iron King
went to the little den at the end of the hall, which he called his