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By (an o’clock the doors were besieged by the largest crowd that had ever assembled in this quiet village. Another host of lookeuu To Pott’a immense relief Clark made his appearance early on the following day. He had brought the money. Potts gave him his note (or sixty shousand pounds, and the third day began. Strangers were there from all parts of the county. The village inn was crowded, and a large number of carriages were outside. Potts began to look forward to the next day with deep anxiety Only five thousand pounds remained in the bank. One man had come with notes to the except of five thousand, and had only ham go: rid of by the abutting of the bank. He left, vowing vengeance. At about eleven the crowd of people brgau to make their appearance as betore. Their demands were somewhat inrgor than on the previous day. Befora twelve ten thousand pounds had been paid. A: twelve the bank was shut in the faces of the Glamorous people, in accordance with the notice. The next day ammo. The back opened late on purpouo. Potts put up a notice that it was to be 0103M thit- dzy a; «valve, on account of the nbaanoa of some of the direcâ€" tors. V “ All right; 1’]! send rinfiu 501mm London with the stock, and hn‘ll bring up the gold at once. ’ Clark started off immeadinteiy for Plymouth, and not long after Johu Went away to London Potts remained to await. the 52mm which he dreaded. " The day after toumorrow. I’ll go to Ply- mouth now, get the money to mom-ow, sud you cgn use it the noxs day.” "V All right. You’ve got lue where my hair is short ; but 1 don’t mind. When can I have the nggney ?” “ Done, Give me your note for sixty thousand pounds, and I’ll let you have the My; )qusgxgd f_o_r three days.” - "Pooh! What ! Back down from a man with my means ! Nonsense! They know how rich I am, or they never would have begun. Come, don’t be a. fool. I’ll lake three days to get gold for my stock. and if you don’t help me the bank may stop before I ge‘f il. If you’ll help me for three days I’ll pay you Well. “ How much will you give '2” “ I’ll give ten thousand poundswthere l I don’t mind." “ If Smithera .9; Co. knew the present state of afiairs I rather think that they’d back down.” “ Yes, from everybody ; but how can you get hold of them 7” “ The first people of the county l” “ And as poor m3 rats." ‘2 “ London merchants l" “ Who are they ‘I How can you get back your money ?” “ Smithers & Co. will let me have what I want." “ I gave those to that devil who had theâ€"~ the papers. you know. He consented to take them, and I was very glad, for they paid less than the others.” Clark was silent. ‘1! “ Why, man, what are you thinking about? Don’t you know that I’m good for two miL lions, what with my estate and my Meek?” " But you owe an infernal lot.” “ And haven’t I notes and other securities from everybody :7” _ “I only want it for a few days. I’ll send down stock to my London broker and have it sold. It will give me hundreds of thousands â€"â€"twice as much as all the bank issue. Then I’ll pay up these devils well, and that dâ€"d tailor worst of all. I swear I’ll send it all down to day. and have every bit of it; sold. If there's going lo be a run, I'll be ready for them ” “ How much have you ?" “ I'll send it all downâ€"though I’m devilish sorry,” continued Poms. “ How much ? why, see here ;" and he panailled down the follow- ing figures on a piece of paper, which he showed to Clark : “ Well,” returned Clark. cauliously, “I don‘t like them American namefi.” "Why," said Potts, “ the stock is at a, premium. I‘ve been getting from twenty to twenty-five per cent; dividendv. “ They’ll sell for three hundred thousand nearly. I’ll sell them all. I'll sell them all," he cried. “ I'll have gold enough to put a stop to this sort of thing forever.” " I thought you had some French and Bus-- IianÂ¥bonds,’f said Clarke. £250,000 f‘ What do you think of that, my boy ?" said Potts. CHAPTER XLIX. TH BUN ON THE BANK. Not long after the bankppened a number of people came in who asked for gold in re- turn fer some bank notes which they offered. This was an unusual circumstance. The peo~ ple also were strangers. Potts wondered what it could mean. There was no help for it. however. The gnld was paid out, and Potts and his friends began to feel somewhat alarmed at the thought which now presented itself for the first time that their very large circulation of notes might be returned upon them. He communicated this fear to Clark. “ I’ve got fifty thousand pounds in the Plymouth Bank.” “ You’ll have to let me have it.” Clark hesitated. “ I don’t know.” said he. “ Dâ€"n it. man, I’ll give you any security you wish. I’ve got more security than I know what to do with.” . “ Well,” said Clark, “ I don't know. There’s a risk.” The Turning of the Long, Long Lane. The bank clerks did not at all aympathize with the bank. They were too eager to pay out. Potts had to check them. He called them in his parlor, and ordered them to pay out more slowly. They all declared that they couldn’t. The day dragged on till at last three o’clock came. Fifteen thousand pounds had been paid out. Potts {all into deep despondency. Clark had remained throughout the whole morning. “ There‘s going to be a. run on the bank ?” said he. “ It’s only begun.” Potts’s sole answer was a curse. “ What are you going to do .9” he asked. “ You‘ll have to help me,” replied Potts. “ You’ve got something." Potts began to feel alarmed. He went out, and tried to bully some of the villagers. They did not seem to [my any attention to him, however. Potts went back to his par- 101' discomforted, vowing vengeance against those who had thus slighted him. The worst of these was the tailor. who brought in notes to the extent of 9. thousand pounds, and when Potts ordered him out and told him to wait. only laughed in his face. “ How much gold have you ?” “ Very little.” “ How much?” “ Thirty thousand.” “ Phew I” said Clark. “and nearly two hung dred thousand out in notes l" Potts was silent. “ What’ll you do if there is a. run on the bank 7” “ Oh. there won’t be." “ Why not ?” “ My credit is toolgood." “ Your credit won’t be worth a rush if people know this." â€" While they talked persons kept dropping in. Most of the villagers and people of the neigh- borhood brought back their notes. demanding gold. By about twelve o’clock the influx was constant. At this theie was a. general laugh among thgpeoplo: " Haven’t yeti got {gold enough 2” said the tailor, with a sneer. “ Are you afraid of the bank? Well, old Potts. so am I.” PlTCl-IERY-BIDGERY. California. Company Mexican bonds‘... Guatemala (10.. Venezuela. (10.. BY MONSIEUR DEMOULIN. £100,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 l’oata went; down not long after. I: was the fourth day of the nun. Misce‘laneous callers thronged the place. but the amounts were 110% large. In two hours not more than five thousand were paid eut. “ 1’11 get one to-day, and you’ll sign the papers this evening. In my opinion by that time the bank ’11 shut up for good, and you’re 2: fool for your pains. You’re simply throw- ing away What gold you have? “ Them isn’t time to get a lawyer now to make out (ha papers ; but whenever you fetch one I'il do) it.” it; “ Oh no. I’ve got this‘estate to fall back on, and they know it. I can easily explain to them. If they had only been in town I shouldn’t have had to make this sacrifice. You needn’t feel troubled about your money, I’ll give you security on the estate to any amount. I’ll give you security for seventy thousand.” said Potts. Clark though: for a. while. “ Well 2" said he. “ it’s a. risk. but I’ll run ‘- If your bank breaks, there is an end of Smithers & Go.” “ You forget that I have Smithera & Cb. to fall bank on.” “Bin whac if it isn‘t all tighi?” asked Clark savagely. “Allgood,” said Potts. “All first rate. It‘ll be a“ righi. We’ll have to put it chm'agh.” “ Well,” said Potts. “ The Brandon bunk may goâ€"hut what then? You forget; that I have the Brandon estate. That’s woth two millions.” “ You got it for two hundred thousand." “Because it was thrown away and dropped into my hands.” " lt'Il be thrown away again at this mm You owe Smnhers & Co.” " Pooh that’s all ofiset by securities which I bald.” “ It‘s a time when a man’s got to be careful of his earnings,” said Clark. “How much have you out in notes? You told me once you had out about £180,000, perhaps more. Well, you’ve already had to redeem about £75,000. That leaves £105,000 yet, and you’ve only got £67 000 to pay it with. What have you got to say to that ?” “ Clark 1" mid POMS, " you're gefling timider and timider. You ain’t got any more pluck those times than a kitten.” “ How much more do you think will be oflemd ? ’ “ Nofi much ; it; stands to rear-Jon.” " It stands to reason that every note which you’ve issued will be sent back to you. So I'll trouble you to give me my sixty thOuaand; and I advise you as a friend to hold on to the rest." “ Thére’s gold enough to pay allthat’s likely to be offered.” It was an fé'lllnws : 100 shares California. at £1,000. (35 per cent discount ....... 59 shares Mexican. 39 00111.15 . 4 . . , . . , . . . . , . . . . . 4 ‘ . . . . . . 4 . . . . . . . . . 4 . . . . . , . . . . . . . . 50 shares Guatemala. {-50 per cent di count ............................................. 50 shares Venezuela. 80 per cent di count)... The faces of Putt-s and Clark grew black as night; as they read this. A deep execm- tion bum £10m Potts. Clark'leaned back in his chair. “ The bank’s blown up I” said he. “ No it ain’t,” said Potts. “ Why not ?" It was four o’clock in the morning before they reached the bank. The gold was taken out and deposited in‘the vaults, and the three went up to the Hall. They brought out brandy and refreshed themselves, after which John remarked, in his usual laconic style, " You’ve been and gone and done it.” “ What ?” asked Potts, somewhat puzzled. “ With your speculations in stocks.” “ What about them ? ” “ Nothing.” said John,’ “only they hep» pen to be at a small discount.” “A discount? ” “ Slightly.” Potts was silent. “ How much 7' ” asked Clark. “ I have a. statement here,” said John. “ When I got to London, I saw the broker. Ho said that American stocks, particularly those which I held, had undergone a. great depreciation. He assured me that it was only temporary, that the dividends which these stocks paid were enough to raise them in a short time, perhaps in a few weeks, and that it was madness to sell out now. He de- clared that it would ruin the credit of the Bran- don Bank if it were known that we sold out at such s. fearful sacrifice, and advised me to raise the money at a less cost. ” You flaw that I got it. I sold out at a cost that. is next to ruin.” " What is it ?” “ Well,” said John, “ I will give you the statement. 0! the broker,” and he drew from his pocket :1 paper which he handed to the others. They looked at it eagerly. The demands on this third day were very large. The men with the five thousand had fought his way to the counter first, and clamored to be paid. The noise and confu- sion were overpowering. Everybody were cursing the bank or laughing at it. Each one felt doubtful about getting his pay. Potts tried to be dignified for atime. He ordered them to be quiet, and assured them that they would all be paid. His voice wet drowned in the wild uproar. The clerks counted out the gold as rapidly as poss1ble, in spite ot the remonstmnces of Potts, who on three occasions called them all into the parlor, and threatened to dismiss them unless they counted more slowly. His threats were disregarded. They went back, and paid out as rapidly as before. The amounts required ranged from five or ten pounds to thousands of pounds. At last, after paying out thou~ sands, one man came up who had notes to the amount of ten thousand pounds. This was the largest dema’nd that had yet been made. It was doubtful whether there was so large an amount lett. Potts came out to see him. There was no help for it ; he had to parley with the enemy. " Well, Icould only think of Smithers & Co. I went to their office. They were all away. I’ saw one of the clerks who said they had gone to see about some Russian loan or other, so theta was nothing to do but to go back to the broker. Be assured me again that it was an unheard of sacrifice; that th “e very stocks which I held had fallen t rib y, he knew not how, and advised me to oanything rather than make such a. sacrifice. Bm 1 could do nothing. Gold was what I wanted. and since Smithera & 00. were away this was the only way to get it.” on had collected. When the doors were opgyed _they pgured in} _witl_1 ‘aArqsh. ” Vile-II ! "â€"czica Potts, eagerly. “ Did you get it? ” Both Potts and Clark now waited eagerly for the return of John. He was expected be fore the next day. He ought to be in by midnight. After waiting impatiently for hours they at length drove out to sea If they could find him. ’ The man had no objection. It was all the same to him. He went out with his bundle of notes through the crowd, telling them that the bank could not pay him. This intelli~ genoe made the excitement still greater. There was a fierce rush to the counter. The clerks worked hard, and paid out what they could in spite of the hints and even the threats of Potts, till at length the bank clock struck the hour of three. It had been put forward twenty minutes, and there was a great riot among the people on that account, but they could not do any thing. The bank was closed for the day, and they had. to de- part. About twelve miles from Brandon they met him In midnight with a team of horses and a number of men, all of whom were armed. “ Have you got it ?” “ Yes,” said John, “what there is of it.” “ What do yc-u mean by that ?” “ I’m too tired to explain. Wait till we g8: home. He told them that it was within a few min- utes of three, and that it would take an hour at least to count out so muchâ€"would he not wait tiil the next day? Tho-re would be ample time then. 'zeor securities !” £07,000 £35,000 10,000 10,000 12,500 In this purpose he took refuge from his own grief; he can aside his own longings‘ his anguish, his despair. Langhetti wished to search after his Bica; Despard wished to find those Whom his dead father had de- nounced to him. In the intensity of his pur- pose ho was careless as to the means by which that vengeance should be accomplished. He thought not whether it; would be better to trust to the slow action of the law, or to take All the irresolution which for a time had characterized Despard had vanished before the shock of that great discovery which his father’s manuscript had revealed to him. One purpose now lay clearly and vividly hex fore him, one which to so loyal anti devoted a nature as his was the holiest duty, and that was vengeance on his father’s mur. deters. “ if he doesn’t come back,” said John, fin- ishing the sentence for him, “ why thenâ€"all tighter.” “ If Be comes back successful,” said he, “ all right, and if he doesn’t, why then”â€" He paused. With these words Clark went out, and left the two together. A glance oi savage exul- tntiol; passed over fiber face of Potts. ” Oh‘ that‘s easy enough ! They knew I was rich. and let mehave what money I wanted.” John looked doubtful. At this moment a. rap was heard at the back door. “There comes Clark ! ” said he. Potts opened the door. Clark entered. His £8.06 was flushed, and his eyes bloodshot, “ See here,” said he, mysteriously, as he 1 entered the room. ‘ " What I?" asked the others, anxiously. “ There’s two chaps at the inn. One is the Italianâ€"” “ Langhetti !” “ Ay." said Clark, gloomily; “ and the other is his mateâ€"that fellow that helped him to carry off the gel. They’ve done it again this time. and my opinion is that these fellows are at the hettom of all our troubles. You know whose son he is.” Potts and John exchanged glances. “ I went after that dewl once, and I‘m go-i ing to try it again. This time I’ll take some1 one who isn’t afraid of the devil. Johnnie,is the dog at the Hall ‘2” “ Yes.” “ All right !” said Clark. " I’ll be even with this fellow yet, if he’s in league with the devil." “Perhaps so. The fact is I don‘t under- stand Smitbexs & Co. at all. I tried to see through their little game, buh can’t begin to do it.” “After all," resumed Potts hopefully, “ it can’t be so so bad. The estate is worth two millions,” “ Pooh 1 ” “ Isn’t it ?” “ Of course not. You know what you bought it for." “ ‘I'has'n became is was thrown away.” “ Well, in 11 have to be thrown away again." “ 0h, Smithera & 00311 be easy. They don’t care for money." “ Well, you've got something as an ofiaet. The debts due the bank.” “Johnnie.” said Potts, taking a long breath, “ smoe Clark isn‘t. here I don’t mind toiling you that my candid opinion is them debts isn’t with a rush. A great crowd of people came, tiara for money. I didn’t hardly ask I}; question. I shelled out loyally. I wanted to be known, so as to get into Parliament some day. I did what is Called " going it blind.” “ How much is owing you 1‘” ” The books say five hundred and thirteen thousand pounds-4m: it’s doubtful if I can gebany of it. And now Smikhors & Co. will be down on me at once." “ What do you intend to do? ” “ I don‘t; know.” “ Haven’t you thought ‘P " “ No, I couldn’t.” “ Well, I have.” “ What 7” “ You’ll have to try to compromise.” “ What if they won’t ? " John shrugged his shoulders, and said nothing. At length a. man came in with a. carpet‘ bag. He pulled out a vast quantity of notes. “ How much ?" askefl the clerk, blandly. “ Thirty thousand pounds,” said the man. Potts heard this and came out. “ Thirty thousand pounds" " Do you want it in gold ‘2” “ Of course.” " Will you take a draft on Messrs. Smiths THE BANK DIRECTORS. The bank doors were closed, and the bank directors were left to their own reflections. Clark had been in through the day. and at the critical moment his feelmga had overpowered him so much that he felt compelled to go over to the inn to get samething to drink, wherewith he might refresh himself and keep up his spints. “ I might as well. I was responsible, at any rate.” “ You might have kept your gold.” “ Then my estate would have been good. Besides, I hoped to light through this difl‘i- culty. In fact, I hadn’t anything else to do.” “ Why not ?” “ Smithers & Co.” “ Ah! yes.” “ They’ll be down on me now. That’s What I was afraid of all along." “ How much do you owe them .7” “ Seven hundred and two thousand pounds.” ' “ The devil! I thought it was only five hundred thousand.” “It’s baen growing every day. It’s a dreadful dangerous thing to have unlimited credit.” The othu m‘an who had waited stood while the one who had been paid was making arrangements about conveying his money away. It was now two o’clock. The stranger said quietly to the clerk opposite that he wanted gold. Potts and John remained ifi fife bun]; par- lor. The clerks had gone. Potts was in that state of dejection in which even liquor was not desirable. John showed hls usual non- chalance. ere & Co. ‘2” “ No, I want gold.” While Potts was talking to this man another was waiting patiently beeide him. Of course this imperative claimant had to be paid or else the bank would have to stop. and this was a. casualty which Pasta could not yet face with calmness. Before it; came to that he was determined to pay out his last soyerign. 0.1 fiayiug the thirty thousand pounds it was found that there were only two bags left of 3370 bhqusnnd pounds each. “ Sorry we can’t accommodateyou, Sir,” re- turned the clerk. Pntts had heard this and came forward. fifi‘Yon’t you take a draft on London? ” said'he. “ Can't," replied the man ; “ I was ordered to get gala.” “ A draft on Smithers dz Co. ‘2 ” “ Couldn’t take even Bank of England notes,” said the stranger ; “ I‘m only an agent. If you can’t accommodate me, I’m sorry, I'm sure.” Hn‘xf an hour afterward the shutters were up ; and outside fihe door stood a. wild and riotous crowd, the most noisy of whom was the tailor. The Brandon Bank had failed. ” Well, Johnnie,” said Potts, after a long silongg, “_ wejxje {med up I”, “,How much? ” said the clerk, with the flame blandness. " Forty thousand pounds,” answered the swagger. Potts was silent. His face was ghastly. As much agony as such a. man could endure waits“ by him at that; moment. “The bank’s buretea, that’s a fact. You were_a £90} for fighfitfiingiit out so long."7 7 CHAPTER LI. A STBU GGLE. CHAPTER L. The wretch gasped and‘ groaned. He struggled to escape from that iron hold in vain. The hand which had seized him was not to be shaksn off. Despard had fixed his grasp there, and there in the throat of the fainting, auficcuiing wretch he' held it. Thornext instant Dewar}! had-seized his throat and held him down so that he could not move. Desparri disengaged one arm and dealt him a tremendous blow on the temple. At the same instant he twined his legs about those of the other. At the acroke Clark, who had already staggered, gave way utterly and fell heavily backward, with Deapard upon him. At last he wound one arm around Clark’s neck in a strangling grasp. and forced. his other arm under that of Clark. Then with one tremenious: one resistleas impulse, he put forth all his Strength. His antagonist gave way before it. He reeled. In the first shock of that fierce embrace not a word was spoken. For some time the atruggie was maintained without result. Clark had caught Despard at a. disadvantage, and this for n. time preventeri the latter from putting forth his strength effectually. It was the horsemanâ€"it was Clarkâ€"who had stealthin dismounted, audit: his desper- ate purpose, had tried to make sure of Des- pard. Clark was of medium size, thick set, muss cular. robust, and desperate. Despard was tall, but his frame was Well knit, his muscles and einews were like iron, and he was inspired by a higher spirit. and a deeper passion. But Deapurd, quick as thought, leaped upon him and caught his hand. In the struggle the pistol fell to the ground. Despard caught Clark in his arms, and then the contest began. Despard started up. Now for the first time he recollected the stranger; and in an instant understood who he was, and why this had been done. Suddenly, as he started up, he felt his pistol snatched from his hand by a strong grasp. He turned. “ Leave me ! ” gasped Langhetti again. “ Bice will be lost." His head, which Dea- paxd had supported for a moment, sank back. and life seemed to leave him. Despard flung himself on his knees beside Langhetfii. He saw his hands torn and bleed‘ ing, and blood covered his face and breast. A low groan waa all that escaped from the suf- ferm'. -‘ Leave me,” he gasped. “ Save Bice.” In his grief for Langhezti. thus lying before him in such agony. Daepatd forgot all else. He seized his handkerchief and tried to staunch the blood. a In the horror of the moment Despard saw that it was Lanahetti. For an instant his brain reeled. The next moment he had reached the spot. Another horseman was standing close by, Without pretending even to interfere. Despard did not see him ; he saw nothing but Langhetti. He flung himself from his horse, and drew a. revotver £10m hie pocket. A loud report rang through the air, and in an instant the huge blood hound gave a. leap upward, with a pierceing yell, and fell dead in the road. Within this glen was disclosed a, [rightful spectacle. A man lay on the ground, torn from his horse by a huge blood-hound, which even then was rendng him with its huge fangs l The dismounfied rider’s foot was en- tangled in the stirrup, and the horse was plunging and dragging him along, while the dog was pulling him back. The man himself uttered not a cry, but; tried to fight 01f the dog with his hands as best he could. Just before his departure Despard saw a man come from the bank and enter the inn. He knew the face, for he had seen it when hero before. It was Clark. At; the sight of this face all his fiercest instincts awoke him ~11 deep thirst for vengeance arose. He could not lose sight of this man. He deter» mined to track him. and thus by active pur- suit to do something toward the accomplishw ment of hi: purpose. The road here descended, and in its! descent wound round a. hill and led into a. gentle hol- low, on each side of which hills arose which were covered with trees. 0L1 questioning the landlord Despard found that; Clark had! asked him about the direction which Langhetti had taken. The idea at once dashed upon him that possiny Clark wished to pursue: Langhefii, in order to find out about Beatrice. He determined on pursuit, both for Langhetti‘svsake and his own. He followed,therefore. not far behind Clark, riding at first rapidly till he caught sight of him at the summit of a hill in front, and than keeping at the same dishanee behind him. He had not determined in his mind what it was best to do, but held himself pre- pared for any course of action. He rode on at a tremendous pace for another half arrhour. At last the road took a sudden turn ; rend, whirling around here as the utmost speed, he burst upon nscene which was as startling as it was unexpected. and which roused to madness all the fervid passion of his nature. the task mto his own hands. His only Wish was to be confronted with either of these men or both of them. It was with this feeling in his heart that he set out with Langhetlri, and the two went once more in company to the village of Bran- don, where they airived on the last day of the run on the bank. He did not; know exactly what it would be best to do first. His one idea, was to go to the hall. and confront ‘he murderers in their own placa. Langhemi, however, urged the need of help from the civil magistrate. It was While they were deliberatmg about this that a letter was brought in addressed to the Rev. Courte- nay Despard. He watched him, therefore, as he entered the inn, and caught a hasty glance which Clark di rected at himself and Langhetti. He did not understand the meaning of the scowl that passed over the ruffirm‘s face, nor did Clark understand the full meaning of that gloomy frown which lowered over Despntd’s brow as his eyes blamd wrathfully and memoir]eg upon him. After riding about an hour he put spurs to his horse, and went on at a; more rapid pace. Yet; he did not overtake Clark, and therefore conjectured that Clark himself must have gone on more rapidly. He now put his own horse at in: fullest sapeed, with the intention of coming up with his enemy as soon as pos- sible. Despnid did not recognize the handwriting. In some surpriae how anyone should know that he was here he opened the letter, and his surprise was still greater 9,3 he read the f01~ lowing: Clark came out and went to the bank. On quitting the bank Despatd saw h1m looking back In Langhetti. who wa just leaving. He then watched him till he went up to the Hall. In about; half an hour Clark came back on horseback fallowed by a dog. He talked for a. while with the landlord, and then went off at a slow trot. “SIâ€"mâ€"There are two men here whom you seekâ€"one Pom, the other Clark. You can see shem_both at any time, Langhetni tried to persuade him, but Dess pard was immovaable. For hlmselt he want too impatient to wait. He determined to se- out at once. He could not. get a. carriage, but he managed to obtain a horse. and with this he set out. It was aboue the time when the bank had closed. “ The young may whom you and Signor Langhett-i formerly rescued has escaped. and is now in safety in Denton, a. village not more than twenty miles away. She lives in the last cottage on the left hand side of the road, cloae by the sen. There is an American elm in front.” There was no signature. Despnrd handed it in silence to Langhetfii, who read it eagerly. Joy spread over his face. He started to he feet. “ Nof’ replied Deapard. “ You had better go, I must stay; my purpose is a different one.” “ But do you not also wish to secure the safety of Bice ‘3" “ Of course; but I shall not be needed. You will be enough.” " I must; go at once," said he excitedly. ” WEI you ?" He spoke in a tone 0f deep aolemnity. with a. tone which seemed like the tread of some inevitable Hate advancing upon its -vic- tim. Posts felt an indefinable fear stealing over him in spite of himself. He said not a. word. “ My draft,” said the stranger, “is different. from those which were presented at the bank counter." “ So you seé,” continued Potts, “you won’t get anything out of meâ€"not thia‘j time,” he added. “Something of that son.” said‘ Potts rudely; “ and let me he“ you I don’t care who you are.” ’ “ That depends.” rejoined the other calmly, “very much upon circumatances.” ’ “‘You appear to hint that you know who I am ?" “ Perhaps if you knew what the draft is, you would feel differently.” “ I don’t care what it is.” ” That depends upon the drawsr.” “ I don’t care who the dra war is. I won’t. pay it. I don’t care even if it’s Smithers 6: 00. I'll settle all when I’m ready. I'm not. going to be bullied any longer. I’ve borne enough. You needn‘t look so very grand,” he continued, pettishiy ; “ I see through you, and you can’t keep up this sort of thing much longer.” “ Yes,” said the stranger, mysteriously. “ I suppose I may call it a draft.” “ There’s no use in troubling your head about it, then,” returned Potts ; “ I won‘t pay.” “ You won’t ?” “ Not a. penny.” A eharp, sudden smile of contempt flashed over the stranger‘s face. “ Yes." said the stranger, “ I reached the village to-day to call at the bank, but found it closed.” ‘ “ Oh ! too.” Before that awful look Potts felt; himself cowering involuntarily ; and he began to feel less confidence in his own power, and less sure that the stranger had flung himself mm s trap. However, the silence was embarrass- ing ; so at last. with an effort, be said : 3" Well ; is there anything you want of me? I’m jg a hurryf’r The stranger turned and looked at Potts for a few moments He neither bowed not uttered any salutation whatever. In his look there was a. certain terrific menace, an mde finsble glance of conscious power, combined with implacable hate. The frown which usually rested on his brow darkened and deepened till the gloomy shadows that cov- ered them seemed like thunder c:ouds. The stranger was standing looking out of one of the windows. His attitude brought back to Potts‘s recollection the scene which had once occurred there, when old Smithers was holding Beatrice in his arms. The recol- lection of this threwa flood of light on Potta‘e mind. He recalled it with a. savage exulm- tion. Perhaps they were the same. as John saidâ€"perhaps ; 110, most assuredl‘ they must be the same. “ I‘ve got him now, any way,” murmured Pom; to himself, " whoever he is.” 'Befomlfis conversation viii 911363 1713‘ stranger had entered and had gone up to the drawing-room. The servant came down to announce him. “ What name ?” asked Potts. “ He didn’t give any." Potts looked perplexed. “ Come now,” mid John. “ This fallow has overreached himself at last. He's come here ; perhaps it won’t be so easy for him to get out. I’ll have all the servants ready. Do you keep up your spirits. Don’t get Iright- ened, but be plucky. Bluff him, and when the time comes ring the bell, and I’ll march in with all the servants.” With theseâ€"wérda Potcsy dep.1rted, and as sending the stairs, entered tha drawingmoom “ Johnnie. you’ve got more sense in your little finger than I have in my Whole body. Yes; we’vs got thia fellow. Whoever he is; and if he turns out to be what I suspect. then we’ll spring the trap on him, and he‘ll learn what in is to play with edged tools.” “Who the devil-is He 22" (mm Potts. “D â€"â€"n that porter l I told him to let no one in to-dayt” fl " I believe the porter’a playing fast and loose with us. But. by Jove ! do you see that fellow‘s eyes? Do you know who else has such eyes ? ” ” u No‘n “ Old Smithsrs.” “ Smithers I” “Yes.” ‘Then this is young Smithers? ” “ Yes; or else the devil," said John, harsth “I begin to have an idea,” he continued. “ I’ve been thinking about this for some time." “ What is it? ” “ Old Smiflaers had these eyes. That last: chap that drew the forty thoueami out of you kept his eyes covered. Here comes this fel- low with the some eyes. I begin to trace a. connection between them.” “ Perhaps this Smithers & Son have been at the bottom of all this,” continued John. “ They are the only ones who could have been strong enough.” ” But why should they 7 ” John shook his head. “ Despard or Laughetti may have got them to do it. Perhaps that d- 01 girl did it. Bmithere 62 Co. will make money enough out of the speculation to pay them. As for me and you, I begin to have a general but; very accurate idea. of ruin. You are getting squeezed pretty close up to the wall, dad, and theygzon't give 011 gime to bregthe,” V0 'Beforermre ooh‘versatron ins an e no The stranger was of medium size. with an aristocratic air, remarkably regular features, of pure Grecian outline, and deep, black lustrioua eyes. His brow was dim: and stem, and clouded oyer»by a gloomy frown. The struggles grew‘ fainter, the arms re» laxed, "the face blabkened, the limbs stiffened. AI: last all efforts ceased. They had not been seated half an hour before the noise of carriage wheels was heard ; and on looking out they saw a dog cart drawn by two magnificent horses. which drove swift- 1y up to the portico. A gentleman dismoun- ted, and, throwing the reins to his servant, came up the steps. Despard then arose. and, turning Clark over on his face. took the bridle from one of the horses. bound his hands behind him. and fastened his feet securely. In the fierce struggie Clark’s coat and walstcoat had been torn away, and slipped down to some extent. His shirt collar had burst and slipped with them. As Deapard turned him over and pro eeeded to tie him, something struck his eye It was a. bright, red scar. He pulled down the shirt. A mark upn penred, the tall meaning of which he knew not,but could well consecture. There were three ~ brands-fiery redâ€"and these were the marks : CHAPTER LII. mom To FACE. 0n the same evening Pot-ts left the bank at about five o’clock, and went up to the Hall with John. H was morose, gloomy, and abstracted. Tie great question now before him was how to deal with Smithers & 00. Should hewrite to them, or go and see them, or what ‘1 How could he satisfy their claims, which he knew would now be pre- sented? Involved in thoughts like these, he entered the Hall, and followed by John, went to the diningroom, where {other and son sat down to refresh themselves over a bottle of brandy. “ Did you ever happen to notice that old Smithers hadn’t. a wrinkle in his face 7 ” “ What do you mean ? ” ' ' “ 0h, nothingâ€"only his hair mightn’t have been natural ; that’s all." “Pooh! 01d Smithera is old enough to be this man grandfather." Potts and V John exchanged glances, am} nothing was said for some time, Potts looked for a moment at his son with a glgnpe of deep admiration. “ My draft,” continued the stranger, in a I suppose you’ve got a. draft on mo, Vijal rushed forward. At that instant As- geelo bounded forward also with one tremen- dous leap, and seizing Vijal by the throat hurled him to the floor. The stranger waved his hand. “ Let him go 1"said he. Asgeelo obeyed. " What the devil’s the meaning of this ?” cried John, looking around in dismay. Potts also looked around. There stood the serâ€" vantsâ€"motionless, impassive. “ You devils !” cried Potts, ” do you hear what I say ? Seize that man !" None of the Servants moved. “ It’s my belief," said John, “ that they’re all ratting." “ Vijalvl” cried Potts, savagely, ” tackle him.” The servants: had taxen their station around the room at John’s order. As Pom spoke they stood there looking at the stranger. but not one ‘of them moved. Vijal only started forward. The stranger turned to- ward him and looked in his face. Vijal glanced around. in surpriae, waiting for the other servants. “ nge I" cried Potts, adrireaaing the ser- vants. “ Catch that man, and tie his hands and feet.” " Now,” cried Pctts,.‘f you’re in for it‘ You’re in a trap. I think. ‘ You’ll find that 1’13 ‘not a, born idzgjz. ~ Qiye up thgt cord 1” The stranger said nothingfbufi wound up the cord cooly, placed it in his pocket, and stiilggarded Pot“; with his scornful smile. The stranger said nothing, but stood with the same fixed and scornful smile. A noise was heard outside, the aramp of a crowd of men. They ascended the stairs. At last John appeared at the door, of the room fol- lowed by thirty servants. Prominent among these was Asgoelo. Near him was Vijal. Potts gave a triumphant smile. The servants ranged themselves around the room. “ I’ll teach you.” he cried, “ that you’ve come to the wrong shop. I’m not a. child. Who you are I don’t know and don’t care. You are the cause of my ruin, and you‘ll re- pent of it.” The sâ€"trangar stood with a scoihtul smile ofi hi§_f3£§._ Pptta tufnpd to _hi_m savqgely : “ That is my draft,” aaid the stranger. “ What do you want ?” gasped Potts. “ The title deeds of the Brandon estates 1" “ The Brandon estates 1” said Posts, in a faltering voice. ” Yes, the Brandon estates; nothing less.” «" And will you then keep silent ?” “ I will give you the cord." “ Will you keep silent 9" " I am your master,” said the other haughu lily, as his ‘buming eyes fixed themselves with a. consuming gaze upon the abject wretch before him : “ I am your master. I make no promises. I spare you or destroy you» as I choose." - These words redifced Potts to despair. In the depths of that despair he found hope. He started up, defiant. Withflan bath he sprang no the bell‘rope and pulled‘mgain and again, till the peaks revsrberated through the house. Had the stranger been Olympian Jove. and had he flung forth from his right hand a thunderbolt.it could not have produced a more appalling efieot than that which was wrought upon Potts by the sight of this cord.~ He started back in horror. uttering a cry halfuwny botween a scream and n. groan. Big drops of perspiration atartad from his brow. He trembled and shuddered from head to foot. Bis jaw fell. He stood speech- less. Awful expectatiéu Was manifest on the face of Potts. " He told me of the mark on your arm. Draw up your sleeve, Briggs, Potts, or what: WWW choose, and eh 'm" m ohnvnckaha'mhv'nln rnnrag ' name . r . . ..... “cu... -... of Bowhani.” Potts started back. His lips grew ashen. Hie teeth shattered. “ He- gave me this,l” cried the stranger, in a louder voice ; “ and this is the draft which y01_1_Will n9: reject? 7 He strode foiward three or four paces, and £1ng somethiqg towarfl Potts. It was a cord, at the end of which was 9. metallic ball. The ball struck the table as it fell, and rolled to the floor, but the stranger held the other end in hxs hand. “Thug! ” cried he; “do you know what that is ? ” And the mystic solemnity of the man’s face seemed to mark him as one who might indeed have held commune with the dead. “ So you thought when you locked him in, and sec fire to the ship, and ecufitled finer; but you see you were mistaken, for here at least; wasa dead man who did tell tales, and I was the listener." “ He told me,” continued the stranger, “ thrg he found you, and how.” _ “He was dead,” repeated the stranger, “and yet all that I told you is true. I learnedjrom him _his gtory.” H “ Dead mén tell no tales,” muttered Potts, in n. s‘ca-rce articulate voice. “ He was dead I” repliedm the stranger, whose eyes had never Withdrawn themselves from those of Potts, and now saemed like two fiery orbs blazing wrathfully upon him. The tones penetrated to the very soul of the lise boner. He shuddered in spite of himself. Like most vulgar natures, his was accessible to superstitious horror. He heard and trem bled. “ I saw Colonel Despard," repeated the stranger, for the third time, "on board the Vishnu m the Indian See. I learned from him his storyâ€"” He paused. " Then,” cried Potts, quickly, to whom there suddenly came an idea. which brought courage with it; “ then, if you saw him, whas concern is it of mine? He was alive, than, and the Deapard murder never took place.” “It did take place," said the other. “ You’re talking nonsenfi. How could it if you saw him 1’ He must have been alive.” “ I myself was on board the Vishnu,” said the othsr. ” You !” “ Yes, I." “ You ! Then you must have been precious small. ,The Vishnu went down twenty years 3303? The meery 01 some awful scene seemed to inspire the tones of the speakerâ€"they thrilled through the coarse. brutal nature of the lie- tener. “Yéu lie I” cried Potts, roused by terror and 3101‘1‘0!’ t5) a fierqe pitch of excitement. tone whichwas still morq aggressiva in ita dominant and Self assertive powerâ€"“my dmfc wag drawn pwgnty years ago." _A chill went to (she Heart of Potts. With a violent effort; he shook off his fear. " Youâ€"you’ve been reading up old papers,” replied he. in a stammering voice. “ You’ve got a let of stuff in your head which you think will frighten me. You’ve come to the wrong shop.” But in spite of these words the pale face and nervous manner of Potts showed how deep was _his agitation. v“ I was on board at the Vishnu, and I saw 001â€"91161 Despm’d." “Isaw GolonelDespard,“ continued the straggerfl “ Pooh 1” said he. “ you’re at that old story, are yhu? That nonsense won’t do here." “It was dated at sea,” continued the stranger, in tones which still deepened in awful emphasisâ€"” at sea, when the writer was all alone.” “ At sea,” continued the other, ringing the changes on this one word, “ at senâ€"on board that ship to which you had brought himuthe Vishnu l” ” There he died,“ fluid the stranger. “Who causati his death ? Will you answer ?” With a tremendous effort Potts again re covered command of himFelf. “’My draft,” said the other, ,‘ was drawn by _Co§lo_gel Lionel Degpa-rd.” “ It’s a. lie !” cried Potts, while his face grewrwhite. V Potts was like a man fascinated by some horrid spectacle. He looked fixedly at his intezigcutoy. iHils jaw fell: Potts looked {vénderinély and hélf tear- full): _at _hirrn.r “ For the last time,” roared Potts, with a â€"Acoording to Labeuchore of Truth, the late Under Secretary Bourke did much to court his fate. He was in constant dispute with his tenantary, and in carrying out his views of the relations which ought to exist between him and them, he, with more pluck than wisdom, served notices and ejectments on them himself. In addition to this, he insisted upon attending service in the Catholic church with 8. Winchester repeating rifle undo 1' his arm. Moreover,his mind was so warped that he wrote on the day before his death, “ It appears that the subwommissioners are in- structed to reduce rents, and it may be con- cludrd that the Radicals, with their leader. are in the Parnell interest secretly "-â€"-‘ “ woros,”-edds his brother, “ written in his blood.” â€"“ Student " wants to know what kind of a bird was the dado ?” From the fact than the species is entirely extinct, we suppose it was the fabin spring chicken, of which we still hegr so often, end see so never. At the end of the hour Brandon of Brandon Hall was at 1am master in the house of his ancestors. â€"-An Australian wiuelgrower has formed a company which promises to produce excellent chaanagne at a dpllar per quart in bottles. ‘-â€"â€"By reason of the Jewish exodus from Russia, house property in Kief has gone down ten per cent in value. In south and west Russia all building operations are at a. stand ssill. “ Gigole did not play false. He killed me as well as he couldâ€" But away, both of you. I cannot breathe while you are how. I will allow you an hour ’no be gone.” â€"It didn’t require much of a philoaophet to discover that all rich widows are handsome. “ Cigole played false. I’ll make him pay for thiefi gasped Potts. " You’re not him I” exclaimed Potts, in a. piercing vbice. “ 1 am LOUIS BRANDON I" “I knew it ! I knew it I” cried John, in a. voice which was almost a. shriek. ‘ - “ Who are you ?” cried Potts, with feverish impaiienee. “ It’s a. lie. 1 never injured .you. I never saw you before till you came yourself to trouble me. Those whom I have injured. are all dead, excapt that parson, the son ofâ€"of the officer.” “ There are others.” Potts said nothing, but looked with some fearful discovery dawning upon him. “ You know hm now 27’ 0}in the stranger. “ I see itin 5’91}: face.” “ Who am 1 ?" be repeated. “ Who ? I am the one to whom all this belongp. I am one Whom you home injured so deeply, that what I have done to you is nothing in com: parison.” And he gazed with intense curiosity upon the calm face of the stranger, who, in his turn, looked upon him with the air of one who was surveying from a. superior height some feeble creature far beneath him. _ “ Tricked I” cried Pottsâ€"” deceived. I hum- bugged l and ruined I Who are you 7 What have you agéinst me? Who are you? Who ?” rigged" M John. John nodded 513 Had slowly. A “ You’ve got to do it, dad,” said he. Potts turned savagely at the stranger. He shook his clenched first at him. “ D-n gou l” he cried. “ Are you satisfied yet? Iknow you. I’ll pay you up. What; complaint have 3011 against me, I’d like to know? I never harmed you.” “ I do. You’re Smithers & Co.” “ True; and I’m several other people. I ve had the pleasure of an extended inter- course with you‘ For I’m not only Smithere dz 00., but I’m also Beamish & Hendricks, American merchants. I'm also Bigelow, Higginson & 00., solicitors to Smithers & 00. Besides, I‘m your London broker, who attended to your speculations in stocks. Perhaps you think that you don’t know me after all.” As he said this Potts and John exchanged gimme: of wonder. ” You must leave this he,” {so-night,” said the stranger stem]y-â€"” you and your son. I remain here." “ Leave the hall ‘2” gasped Potts. “ Yes.’ “ You don’t know mefor you wouldn’t say that ‘2 “ Here, dad,” said John, “ you’ve got to do it. You might as well hand over the papers. You don't want to go into quod, I think." ‘ Potts turned his pale face to his son. “ Do it 1” exclaimed John. “ Well.” he said, with a sigh. “ since I‘ve got to, I've got, I suppeee. You know best, Johnnie. I always said you had 9. long head.” After about a. quarter of an hour they ra< turned, and Potts handed over to the stranger some papers. He looked M them carefully, and puts them in his pocket. He then gave Potts the cord. Potts took it in an abstract- ed way, and said nothing. “ I must go and get them,” be con- tinued. ' “ I go with you ;or no-â€"-Ca-to shall go with yogi and I‘ll wait here.” The Hindu went; with Potts holding his collar inihis powerful grasp and taking care to let Potts see the hilt of a knife which he car- ried up his sleeve, in the other hand. “ The title deeds of the Brandon eetate.” said the stranger. ” Never 1" “ Then off you go. They must be mine at any rate. Nothing can prevent that. Either give them now and begono, or delay, and you go at once to jail.” “Cato I” said the stranger, “go and fetch the policemen.” “ Stop I” cried John. At a. sign Asgeelo, who had already taken two s_lseps tqwgrg the_@on_r.rpaused. “ What do you want 2" anxiously asked Potts. who now thought that he might come to terms, and perhaps gain his escape from the clutches of his enemy. “ No ; you don’t mean that,” said theolher. "For I have some London policemen at the inn. and I might like best to hand you over to them on charges which you can easily in» agine. You don’t wish me to do so, I think. You’d prefer being at large to being chained up in a cell, or sent to Botany bay, I suppose? Still, if you prefer it, I will a: once arrange an interview between yourself and these gem tlemen." “I won’t give them,”*§ said Potts, dtsper- ately. “ Shall I tell them to pull up your sleeve and dinplay the mark of Bowhani. sir? Shall I tell who and what you are? Shall I begin from your birth and give them a fun and oom- plete history of your life. “ You see,” said he, at last, “ that you don‘t knuw me, after all. You are in my power, Briggsâ€" you can’t get away, nor am yogr son.” Potts rushed, with an oath.to the door. Half a. dozen servants were standing there. As he came furiously toward them they held out their clenched flats. He rushed upon them. They beat him back. He fell, foam- ing_ Hit the lips. John stood cool and unmoved, looking around the room, and learning from the face of each servunt that they were all beyond his authority. He folded his arms and said nothing. Pom looked mound like a wild beast in the arena, seeking for some openmg for escape, but findmg nothing except hostile faces. perfect; volley of oaths. “ seize tha'ffi man, or yogil) be sorry for it.” ' The servnhts stood motionless. ‘ The stranger remainei in the same attitude, with the sigma Bucering smile. “ Yofi appear to have been mistaken in your man,” said the stranger, coolly. " These are not your servants ; they’re mine. Shall I tell thgm to sgizeryou ?” Potts glared: at him with bloodshot eyesflnut said pothing. “ Do What you like I” he cried, desperately, with an oath, and sank down into smlid du- spair. [To BE CONTINUED.)