n life later. Still, if you want it and will
promise to put it to a good use, I will give you every farthing
cheerfully. You have only to say the word."

Phillips chuckled.

"Oh, there's no occasion to do that, sir," he said. "Keep the money in
your pocket. I shall have enough and to spare before long. I mean to
drag Copley's plunder from between his teeth. I will take all I can get
from him, and when the time comes we shall drop a hint in the proper
quarter, and there will be an end to Raymond Copley. Within three months
you will see that man in gaol. You needn't be alarmed for Miss Haredale.
She is as safe from that man as if she were the daughter of the King. I
had better be going, because it is as well that we should not be seen
talking together for too long. I have scribbled my address on the back
of this card, and shall expect you about half-past seven."

Fielden asked no more questions, but returned to his friends with a
vivid sense of curiosity. He listened to Major Carden's flamboyant talk,
and as he bowed to Alice Carden could not help thinking what a pretty
and refined girl she was. He made his excuses for not returning to
Haredale, and was faintly amused to see how relieved Sir George appeared
to be.

"No, I can't get back to-night," he explained. "I have several things to
do here. But I hope to see you on Sunday, if I may be allowed to come
over."

"Of course, you may," May smiled, as she held out her hand. "Miss Carden
is coming to stay with me to-morrow. I have persuaded her to come at
once. I am ashamed to have neglected her so long."

Fielden finished his business, saw the stud-groom and the horses safely
on the rail, and then went to the retired part of the village where
Phillips' lodgings were situated. It was little more than a cottage, but
the place was neat and clean, and the cooking left nothing to be
desired.

"It is only a bit of fish and a steak," Phillips said cheerfully, "but
you will find it beautifully served, and as to the wine, well, I got
that myself, and I know it is everything it should be. Please sit down
and make yourself at home. We can discuss matters over our cigars.
There's nothing like racing to give you an appetite. I only hope it
won't snow before morning."

"I hope not," Fielden said. "To all intents and purposes the racing was
spoilt this afternoon by the snow, and it is very odd that no one saw a
yard from start to finish of the three o'clock race. It was most
an