I had waded
in the last half-hour, the communication he had made me excited my
curiosity to the utmost, and in some respect rendered me uneasy. It was
no part whatever of my object to afford any clue to Basset by which he
might trace me; and although much of the fear I had formerly entertained
of that dreaded personage had evaporated with increased knowledge of the
world, yet old instincts preserved their influence over me, and I felt
as though Tony Basset would be a name of terror to me for my life long.
It was quite clear, however, that the application from the Castle to
which he alluded could have no reference to the honest attorney; and
with this comforting reflection, which I confess came somewhat late, I
finished my dressing, and prepared to leave my room.

"Oh, here he comes!" cried Bubbleton, as he flung open my door, and
announced my approach. "Come along, Tom, and let us see if your face
will let you be recognized."

I scarcely had crossed the threshold when I started back with affright,
and had it not been for the wall against which I leaned, must have
fallen. The stranger, whose visit was to afford me so much of pleasure
was no other than Major Barton; there he stood, his arm leaning on the
chimney-piece, the same cool malicious smile playing about the angles of
his mouth which I noticed the first day I saw him in the glen. His sharp
eyes shot on me one quick, searching glance, and then turned to the
door; from which again they were directed to me as if some passing
thought had moved them.

Bubbleton was the first to speak, for not noticing either the agitation
I was under or the stern expression of Barton's features, he ran on:--

"Eh, Major! that's your friend, isn't it? Changed a bit, I suppose; a
little blanched, but in a good cause, you know,--that's the thing. Come,
Tom, you don't forget your old friend. Major--what 's the name?"

"Barton," repeated the other, dryly.

"Yes, Major Barton; he 's come from his Excellency. I knew that last
paragraph would do it,--eh. Major?"

"You were quite right, sir," said Barton, slowly and distinctly, "that
paragraph did do it; and very fortunate you may esteem yourself, if it
will not do you also."

"Eh, what! how me? What d' you mean?"

"How long, may I beg to ask," continued Barton, in the same quiet tone
of voice, "have you known this young gentleman?"

"Burke,--Tom Burke? Bless your heart, since the height of that fender.
His father and mine were sch