ay thereabouts? Was there no suspicion of the
father being implicated?"

"I do not think there was. He gave evidence at the inquest, and so did
I, sir, as you may suppose, most unwillingly; for the boy was a
favourite of mine. I beg your pardon, sir--you say you are acquainted
with Major McShane, and saw him this morning; is the interesting little
boy you speak of as under his protection now at home or still at
school?"

"I really cannot positively say," replied McShane; "but this is not
holiday-time. Come, sir, we must not part yet; your conversation is too
interesting. You must allow me to call for some more brandy; poor as I
am, I must treat myself and you too. I wish I knew where I could pick
up a little money; for, to tell you the truth, cash begins to run low."

Furness was now more than half drunk. "Well, sir," said he; "I have
known money picked up without any difficulty: for instance, now, suppose
we should fall in with this young rascal who committed the murder; there
is 200 pounds offered for his apprehension and conviction."

"I thought as much," muttered McShane; "the infernal scoundrel! I
suspect that you will find him where you are going to, Mr Furbish, he's
got that far by this time."

"Between you and I, I think not, sir. My name is Furness, sir--I beg
your pardon--not Furbish."

"Why you do not think he would be such a fool as to remain in the
country after such an act?"

"The wicked are foolish, sir, as well as others," replied Furness,
putting his finger to his nose, and looking very knowingly.

"That's truth, sir. Help yourself; you drink nothing. Excuse me one
minute; I'll be back directly."

McShane left the box for a few minutes to explain to his wife what he
was about, and to give time for the liquor to operate upon Furness. As
he expected, he found, on his return, that Furness had finished his
glass, and was more tipsy than when he left him.

The conversation was renewed, and McShane again pleading his poverty,
and his wish to obtain money, brought out the proposal of Furness, who
informed him that he had recognised the _protege_ of Major McShane to be
the identical Joseph Rushbrook; that the boy had absconded from the
school, and was concealed in the house. He concluded by observing to
McShane, that, as he was so intimate with the major, it would be very
easy for him to ascertain the fact, and offered him 50 pounds, as his
share of the reward, if he would assist him in