pursue their way homewards, the hunting party set off
once more to make a fresh attempt at sport ere the day should close.
But now the fortune which had so favoured them during the day deserted
them. Not a bird was seen, and after vainly beating about for some
time the party at last reluctantly determined to wend its way once
more towards Haddon. Sir George sounded his horn again, and in answer
the wanderers returned from all quarters of the wood, all of them
light-hearted and most of them light-handed too.

The route now taken was precisely the same by which they had advanced
during the day, and they soon arrived at the spot where the struggle
had taken place. Dorothy discovered the first signs of the conflict.

"Why, what in the name of faith is this?" she cried, as she pointed
down to the ground. "'Tis a noble, I declare."

"And here is another," added Crowleigh, stooping down and picking up
the glittering coin.

"And here's a comb, what a nice--"

Sir Benedict never missed that sentence, for as he bent down to pick
it up he caught sight of the body of the packman, and he started back
affrighted at the sight. "Look!" he cried, "'Tis a--the blessed saints
protect us, 'tis a murder see!" and he pointed to the tree.

"A what?" asked Sir George, coming up. "What's a murder? Where?"

"Here, see!" and a Woode pulled away the twigs which had but half
hidden the body from view.

"Heaven forfend us!" ejaculated the baron as he gazed horror-stricken
at the body. "'Tis a foul villainy, and so near Haddon, too."

"'Tis the poor Derby pedlar," exclaimed Dorothy, "and it was but
yester e'en since he was at the Hall."

"Ha! 'tis lately done, I see. Trust me, I shall see to this. We'll
have no ghosts round Haddon, Doll. To-morrow we'll enquire into it. I
must get to the root of this."

"'Tis evident it was a robbery," suggested Manners. "Even now the
knaves may be lurking round."

Sir George took the hint and the vicinity was closely examined, but,
of course, not a trace of the perpetrators could be found; so, leaving
the followers to bring on the body in the rear, the party hurried
forward to gain the friendly shelter of the Hall and to partake of the
bountiful feast which the Lady Maude had provided for them.

CHAPTER IV.

DAME DURDEN'S ORDEAL.

Fear fell on me and I fled.
* * * * *
I took the least frequented road,
But even there arose a hum;
Lights showed in every vi