e done credit to an older hand. But all the
time he was oppressed by a feeling that a calamity had befallen him.

When all the injured had been seen to, Jack was at liberty to make
enquiries, when he soon learnt that his father was among the killed.

"It is a sad thing, my dear boy, a shocking accident," murmured Dr
Hanly, taking him on one side, "and your grief is natural, for you have
lost the best friend you ever had in the world. Go home now and break
the news. I will come to-morrow, and after that, if you are in any
difficulty come to me."

The next few days were exceedingly trying ones for Jack. Frampton
Grange was even more miserable than before, for there was no sympathy
amongst the inmates, and therefore no consolation in talking to one
another about the terrible accident which had led to Captain Somerton's
death.

Two days were occupied in attending and giving evidence at the inquest;
then there was the funeral, after which Mrs Somerton and her two sons
returned to the Grange with Dr Hanly, a few relatives of the deceased
captain, and two austere gentlemen, who proved to be lawyers. The will
of the late owner of the house was then produced.

A quarter of an hour later it had been read, the party had broken up,
and Jack found himself the future owner of Frampton Grange and all the
wealth his father had possessed, and alone in the world save for a
stepmother and stepbrother who cared little for him.

Captain Somerton had made one very big mistake during his life. He had
married, for the second time, a woman upon whom his choice should never
have fallen. This he recognised too late, but not so late as to prevent
him from altering his will accordingly.

"_I leave to my son, John Hartly Somerton, all that I possess_," ran
the will, "_to be held in trust by my wife and Dr Hanly, the former
of whom shall have the use of Frampton Grange till the said John
Hartly Somerton shall attain the age of twenty-six_."

Mention was made that Mrs Somerton had sufficient means of her own to
live in the same style as before. In addition to this, there were
various small legacies to the servants, a sum was set aside for Jack's
education and for his expenses in entering the army, and another sum for
the upkeep of the Grange until it came into his own management.

"Come over and see me to-morrow, Jack," whispered the doctor as soon as
the will had been read. "I am now a kind of guardian to you, and shall
fee