not returned.

"Might he not have returned and entered the room unseen, sir?" said the
Chief Justice, who cast a shrewd and piercing look upon the valet.

"Scarcely, my Lord, since he is known to every servant in the house, and
people are passing and repassing in every direction."

"But there is every reason to believe that he has not returned at
all," interposed Linton. "It is some one else has been heard in his
dressing-room."

"Would it not be as well to despatch messengers to Drumcoologan,"
said Meek, "and assure ourselves of Cashel's safety? Up to this we are
ignorant if he have not shared the fate of poor Kennyfeck."

"The very suggestion I was about to make. I 'll take Phillis along with
me, and set out this instant," cried Linton.

"We shall miss your assistance greatly here, sir," said the Chief
Justice.

"Your Lordship overvalues my poor ability; but I will hasten to the
utmost, and be soon back again." And thus saying, he left the room,
followed by Phillis.

"There must be an inquest at once," said the Chief Justice. "The coroner
has power to examine witnesses on oath; and it seems to me that some
clew to the affair will present itself."

"As to this room, don't you think it were proper to inquire if any one
be really within it?" asked Meek.

"Yes; we will proceed thither together," replied the judge.

"I canna be mistaken in the pistol; I 'll swear to that," chimed in Sir
Andrew, whose whole thoughts were centred on that object.

"Well, Mr. Goring," said Meek, as that gentleman advanced to meet them
in the corridor, "have you obtained any clew to this sad affair?"

The magistrate drew near, and whispered a few words in the other s ear.
Meek started, and grasped the speaker's arm convulsively; then, after a
pause, said, "Tell the Chief Justice." Mr. Goring approached, and said
something in a low voice to the judge.

"Be cautious, sir; take care to whom you mention these circumstances,
lest they be bruited about before we can examine into them," said the
Chief Justice; then retiring into a window with Sir Andrew and Meek, he
continued: "This gentleman has just informed me that the impress of a
boot with a high heel has been discovered near the spot where the murder
was committed; which boot exactly tallies with that worn by Mr. Cashel."

"The pistol is his; I'll tak' my oath on that," muttered Sir Andrew.

"Here's Phillis coming back," said Meek. "What's the matter, Phillis?"

"Mr. Linton s