f their house and
planned out details. Terence duly brought his sister, who, they were
surprised to find, was an extremely good-looking Irish girl, quite ready
to do all she was told, without asking any questions.

Hal drilled her instructions into her thoroughly, and then they both set
out for the wharf, and met the _Pateena_, which arrived with all their
friends on board, including Dr. Aveling, a friend of Goodchild's.

Hil was briefly informed of all that had been done, and the boys hurried
back to Nicholson Street, taking the doctor with them.

"Now, doctor," said Reg, "just look at this die and see if it is fit for
the job."

"Yes, it will do very well," he replied, examining the edges.

"We want you to have all your tools ready, for though Reg will do the
deed, you will see that the wounds are properly dressed, won't you?"

"Certainly, I have brought all that is necessary, and, provided you are
sure of your man, I am ready to help you."

"Rest assured we won't brand the wrong man," said Hal, who was as cool
as a cucumber.

"There's a cab pulling up at the door," said Reg, excitedly. He had
scarcely spoken when there was a loud knock at the door.

Miss O'Flynn opened the door, and the visitor entered.

CHAPTER XXIX.

EAR-MARKED.

The room into which the gentleman was shewn was in the centre of the
house, and was furnished as a sitting-room. Miss O'Flynn followed him in
and closed the door, which was immediately locked on the outside. A
second door which led into another apartment, was screened by a heavy
curtain. The door it hid was kept ajar, so that the people interested,
who were waiting in the room, could hear all that passed. The first
thing that caught the visitor's eye was the notched stick lying on the
table, which he eagerly picked up.

"Ah, here we are, miss. Yes, this is the very stick," he said, as he
examined it carefully.

"The poor fellow who owned it was drowned, I believe," said Miss
O'Flynn.

"I want this stick as a memento of him," answered the gentleman,
sweetly.

"But I can't part with it on any account."

"I'll give you five pounds for it, though it is not worth a penny."

"No, sir, I cannot sell it. My brother knew that."

"Where is your brother?"

"He's in the town."

"And are you all alone in this large house?" asked he, with an
insinuating smile.

"Yes, why?"

"Oh, nothing. But really, miss, you must let me have this stick. You
must. You must, I say