the prepared oakum to one of the men, who ran off
with it, and directly after Roy stepped back quickly and hurried into
the house.

Ben said nothing, but he glanced after the boy with a fierce look,
pursing up his lips, and then muttering to himself, his expression
indicating the most profound disgust.

Meanwhile, Roy ran into the private apartments of the castle, and made
his way to the library; but Lady Royland was not there.

Uttering an ejaculation full of impatience, the boy hurried into the
withdrawing-room, where he had better fortune, for he found his mother
waiting there as if she expected him.

"You, my dear?" she said. "I was waiting here to see Master Pawson; he
sent me a message to ask if I would see him on matters of importance.
Do you know what he wishes to say?"

"Well, I almost think I do, mother," replied the boy.

"Then you have come to meet him?"

"No," said the boy; "I didn't know he had sent. I came to warn you not
to be alarmed, for we are just going to fire."

_Boom_!

A report like thunder made the casements rattle as if they were being
dashed in. This was followed by an echoing roar, and then came a
yelling cry as of some one in agony.

"Oh, my boy, what has happened?" cried Lady Royland, starting from her
chair, clapping her hands to her ears, and then sinking back palpitating
in the nearest chair. "Run and see; something terrible must have
occurred."

Roy had already dashed to the door, and he ran out and along to the
great gate-way, where his mother's words seemed to be verified, for, on
reaching the spot where the gun which had been fired had run back a
short distance, there was the knot of men half hidden by the smoke that
was slowly rising, and in front of them, just below the portcullis, lay,
apparently lifeless, the figure of Master Pawson, face downward upon the
flags.

"What have you done, Ben?" cried the boy.

"Done? I never done it," growled the man, fiercely. "You runned away;
so I put the light to the gun myself, and then we all stood and waited,
till all at wunst Master Pawson comes round the corner like. I dunno
how he come there; and off goes the gun and down goes he."

Roy was already upon one knee, turning the secretary over on his back
and examining him for the terrible injury he felt must have been
received. But as Roy was proceeding to open his collar, he opened his
eyes, sprang up into a sitting position, and then began to abuse the boy
fiercely