n the avenue, while his lad reached the gate and swung it open
just in time. Then Grimbal galloped into the night, with heart and soul
fixed upon his letter. He meant to recover it at any reasonable cost.
The white road streaked away beneath him, and a breeze created by his
own rapid progress steadied him as he hastened on. Presently at a
hill-foot, he saw how to save a mile or more by short cuts over
meadow-land, so left the highway, rode through a hayfield, and dashed
from it by a gap into a second. Then he grunted and the sound was one of
satisfaction, for his tremendous rate of progress had served its object
and already, creeping on the main road far ahead, he saw the vehicle
which held the mail.

Meanwhile Blanchard and the man-servant stood and watched John Grimbal's
furious departure.

"Pity," said Will. "No call to do it. I've took his word, an' the end 's
the same, letter or no letter. Now let me finish that theer brandy, then
I'll go home."

But Mr. Vallack heard nothing. He was gazing out into the night and
shaking with fear.

"High treason 'gainst the law of the land to lay a finger on the mail. A
letter posted be like a stone flinged or a word spoken--out of our
keeping for all time. An' me to blame for it. I'm a ruined man along o'
taking tu much 'pon myself an' being tu eager for others. He'll fling me
out, sure 's death. 'T is all up wi' me."

"As to that, I reckon many a dog gets a kick wheer he thinks he 's
earned a pat," said Will; "that's life, that is. An' maybe theer's sore
hearts in dumb beasts, tu, sometimes, for a dog loves praise like a
woman. He won't sack 'e. You done what 'peared your duty."

Blanchard then left the house, slowly proceeded along the avenue and
presently passed out on to the highroad. As he walked the pain of his
leg diminished, but he put no strain upon it and proceeded very
leisurely towards home. Great happiness broke into his mind, undimmed by
aching bones and bruises. The reflection that he was reconciled to John
Grimbal crowded out lesser thoughts. He knew the other had spoken truth,
and accepted his headlong flight to arrest the mail as sufficient proof
of it. Then he thought of the possibility of giving himself up before
Grimbal's letter should come to be read.

At home Phoebe was lying awake in misery waiting for him. She had
brought up to their bedroom a great plate of cold bacon with vegetables
and a pint of beer; and as Will slowly appeared she uttered a c