altogether a more determined look than Mr. Henry.

"Mr. Hugh Dunbar taxed him with what he had done.

"'Do you deny it, Joseph Wilmot?' he asked.

"'No,' my brother said, looking contemptuously at the cornet. 'If my
master has betrayed me, I have no wish to deny anything. But I dare say
he and I will square accounts some day.'

"'I am not going to prosecute my nephew,' Mr. Hugh said; 'so, of course
I shall not prosecute you. But I believe that you have been an evil
counsellor to this young man, and I give you warning that you will get
no character from me. I respect your brother Sampson, and shall retain
him in my service in spite of what you have done; but I hope never to
see your face again. You are free to go; but have a care how you tamper
with other men's signatures, for the next time you may not get off so
easily.'

"The lad took up his hat and walked slowly towards the door.

"'Gentlemen--gentlemen!' I cried, 'have pity upon him. Remember he is
little more than a boy; and whatever he did, he did out of love for his
master.'

"Mr. Hugh shook his head. 'I have no pity,' he answered, sternly: 'his
master might never have done wrong but for him.'

"Joseph did not say a word in answer to all this; but, when his hand was
on the handle of the door, he turned and looked at Mr. Henry Dunbar.