r. 'He was a
human being, Mab,' she said, in a low voice, 'and it is terrible to
think that the poor wretch, however evil he may have been, should have
come to so miserable an end. Is it known who shot him, Captain Pendle?'

'No; there are all sorts of rumours, of course, but none of them very
reliable. It's a pity, too,' added George, reflectively, 'for if I had
only been a little earlier in leaving Mother Jael I might have heard the
shot and captured the murderer.'

'What do you mean, Captain Pendle?' cried Miss Whichello, with a start.

'Why, didn't I tell you? No, of course I didn't; it was Mab I told.'

'What did you tell her?' questioned the old lady, with some impatience.

'That I was on Southberry Heath last night.'

'What were you doing there?'

'Seeing after that gipsy ring for Mab,' explained George, pulling his
moustache. 'I bought it of Mother Jael, and had to ride out to the camp
to make the bargain. As I am going back into harness to-day, there
wasn't much time to lose, so I went off last night after dinner, between
eight and nine o'clock, and the old jade kept me so long fixing up the
business that I didn't reach home until eleven. By Jove! I got a jolly
ducking; looked like an insane river god dripping with wet.'

'Did you see anything of the murder, Captain Pendle?'

'No; didn't even hear the shot, though that wasn't to be wondered at,
considering the row made by rain and thunder.'

'Where was the body found?'

'Somewhere in a ditch near the high road, I believe. At all events, it
wasn't in the way, or my gee would have tumbled across it.'

Miss Whichello reflected. 'The bishop was over at Southberry yesterday,
was he not?' she asked.

'Yes, at a confirmation service. He rode back across the common, and
reached the palace just before I did--about half an hour or so.'

'Did he hear or see anything?'

'Not to my knowledge; but the truth is, I haven't had an opportunity of
asking questions. He is so annoyed at the disgrace to the diocese by the
committal of this crime that he's quite beside himself. I was just
telling Mab about it when you came in. Six o'clock!' cried Captain
George, starting up as the chimes rang out. 'I must be off. If I'm late
at barracks my colonel will parade me to-morrow, and go down my throat,
spurs, boots and all.'

'Wait a moment, Captain Pendle, and I'll come with you.'

'But your headache, aunty?' remonstrated Mab.

'My dear, a walk in the fresh air will do