end your grace's
message, if you please," the operator explained, as he took his seat
again.

The duke hastily dashed off the following message:

"LONE, N.B., October 31st, 6 P.M.

"To J.A. SETTER, Police Station, Old Church Court, Kensington,
London: Shall leave for London by this midnight express-train. Is she
quite well? Answer immediately. HEREWARD."

The operator took the message with a bow. The click of the instrument was
soon heard, as the message, with the speed of light, flew on its errand.

"Will you remain here until I can receive an answer?" inquired the duke,
as soon as the sound ceased.

"I should be happy to accommodate your grace; but if there should be no
answer, say up to twelve o'clock?" suggested the young man.

"In that case I should not ask you to remain; as you must know by my
telegram that I am to take the train for London at that hour."

"Certainly, your grace; but I thought it possible that you might wish the
message taken to some other person in the event of your absence."

"Not at all. I want it for myself alone. If it does not come before
twelve I shall have no use for it."

"Then I will remain here until midnight, if necessary; but it may not be
necessary."

"And you shall set your own price upon your time," said the duke.

"Thanks, your grace; I am happy to be able to accommodate you; and would
prefer to leave all other considerations to yourself," said the young
man, very politely and--politicly.

Even while they spoke, a warning vibration of the wires was perceived,
followed by the _click, click, click_, of the instrument.

"There is a message coming--most probably an answer to yours, though it
is very soon to get one," said the operator, as he turned to give his
whole attention to his work.

The duke looked on with breathless eagerness.

As soon as the sound ceased, the operator drew off the message and handed
it to the duke, who seized it and hastily read;

"LONDON, October, 31st, 7 P.M.

"TO THE DUKE OF HEREWARD, LONE, N.B.: She is perfectly well.

"J.A. SETTER."

"Thank Heaven! I breathe freely now!" said the young duke to himself, as
he arose from his seat.

He liberally rewarded the telegraph operator, and then left the office
and walked back to the inn.

The Arondelle Arms was all alive with excitement. More travellers had
come down from Banff, and the inn was crowded, principally by men of the
Clan Scott. Every room was filled, every window lighted up.