lady will give them house-room to-day,"
said Mr. Lyle.

As Alden Lytton was about to reply, urging his friends not to delay
their journey on his account, he caught sight of Emma standing in the
hall, just outside the library door.

Her face was pale with anguish, and her hands were clasped tightly
together, as she said:

"Alden--Alden! Oh, Alden, come to me for one moment!"

"Let me go and speak to my wife. I will not run away," said Mr. Lytton,
sarcastically, to the deputy, who was close upon his heels.

And he went up to Emma and said, cheerfully:

"Do not be alarmed, love; there is nothing to fear."

"Oh, Alden, dearest, _what is it_? They are talking about a warrant and
an arrest in there. It is not true--oh, it can not be true!" said the
young wife, a little incoherently.

"There is some mistake, my love, which would be simply ludicrous if it
were not so annoying. I must go to Wendover and set it all right,"
replied Mr. Lytton, cheerfully.

"Are you certain it is nothing more than a mistake?"

"Nothing more than a mistake or a jest, dear love. But I must go to
Wendover to set it right."

"But what sort of a mistake is it? What is it all about?"

"I will explain it all when I come back, my wife. I do not quite
comprehend it yet."

"How soon will you be back?"

"As soon as ever this matter shall be explained--in time for tea, if
possible. Mr. Lyle and Mr. Brent are going with me. You will take care
of the girls during the few hours' delay in their journey. There, love,
return to your guests and let me go. This officer is growing impatient."

While Alden Lytton was trying to soothe the anxiety of his wife, Mr.
Brent and Mr. Lyle had crossed to the drawing-room to explain to their
brides that an unexpected event had occurred which would delay their
journey for a few hours, during which they would remain as the guests of
Mrs. Alden Lytton.

And before the young ladies could make a comment the deputy-sheriff,
with Alden Lytton in custody, passed out.

Then Stephen Lyle and Joseph Brent hurried out and entered the same
carriage occupied by Alden Lytton and the sheriff.

During the drive to Wendover the three gentlemen tried to learn from the
sheriff more particulars concerning the charges made against Mr. Alden
Lytton.

But the sheriff knew little or nothing concerning those charges beyond
what was embodied in the warrant that authorized the arrest.

CHAPTER XLVI.

THE INVESTIGATION.