into the justice-room, and, in as few words as possible, gave an account of what had passed.

Mr. Thorogood summoned his men servants and the farm labourers, and hastened to the spot. He found the keeper binding up the injured arm of Gregory, who had fainted from loss of blood, and Zachary was lying by his side, bleeding violently from his mouth from the effect of the blow administered by the keeper.

By the orders of Mr. Thorogood, the wounded men were conveyed to the Lodge, and a messenger despatched for Mr. Humpbugge. On his arrival, the wounds were pronounced not to be dangerous. After the shot had been extracted from Gregory's arm, the wounds dressed, and some stimulant administered, he recovered sufficiently to assure Mr. Thorogood that "he would not die until he had had his revenge on him and his keeper." The accompanying oaths, which shocked all who heard them, must be imagined.

Zach also was speedily restored, and suffered nothing more serious than a severe bruise and the loss of two front teeth. He also, with a series of horrible oaths, declared his intention

of having his revenge on the keeper and his

master.

Humpbugge offered his services to assist his brother-in-law to mount his horse and see him home; but they were rejected with scorn, and he was told that, if ever he dared to set his foot inside the Grove, he should be kicked out again.

CHAPTER XIX.

THE LIEUTENANT'S TALE.

On their return to the Grove, after seeing the hounds kennelled and fed, the first thing that Gregory and his huntsman did was to order in dinner. They ate plenteously and as pleasantly as their wounds would allow them. After dinner, the pipes and grog were introduced, and, as they smoked and drank, they railed at Squire Thorogood, and talked over their plans of vengeance. Several of their companions of the morning dropped in in the course of the evening, to hear how the squire of "the Grove" was after his scuffle with the squire of " the Lodge." They were at first coldly received, and even upbraided for their skulking off, by Gregory and his huntsman. They knew their men, however, and said nothing until the breeze of their passion had blown over.

They calmly awaited until the calm followed the storm, and then lighted their pipes and helped themselves to grog, as if nothing out of the way had occurred.

All persons who are habituated to drinking are known to drink deeper in proportion as their feelings are excited. Gregory drank, and Zach drank much more than usual that night. They sang in a louder key, played at cards with more spirit, and indulged in oaths more fearful than usual. Supper was ordered, and all the party ate voraciously. Supper was succeeded by liquors again, and the night was spent in debauchery of the vilest sort. Ere they parted for the night, or rather morning, Gregory was nearly raving mad, and his huntsman very little better. They were put to bed by their companions and the servants, all of whom returned to the parlour, and drank till they could drink no longer, and then reeled to their beds, forgetful of the squire of the Grove, and of all that had happened during this eventful day.

In the morning Gregory awoke feverish and parched with thirst. He attempted to reach the

bell-rope, which hung at the head of the bed. He found that his limbs were powerless. The wounded arm was excessively painful, and he could not turn in his bed. He called to his servants. No answer was returned. He shouted, he screamed-but no one replied. He swore to himself that he would discharge all the establishment. He tried again to reach the bell; but the agony caused by the attempt deprived him for a while of his senses. The room itself, and every thing in the room, seemed to whirl round with increasing velocity, and at last he seemed to be whirled round with them. Then all was darkness; a film came over his eyes; his mind wandered, and the scene of the day before was presented to his "mind's eye" as vividly as it had appeared while it was actually passing. Rage, passion, and the desire of revenge burnt within him, and, after the most horrible halfuttered imprecations, he lay perfectly insensible.

In the adjoining room reposed the almost lifeless body of Zachary Bluff. He lay perfectly still and incapable of motion. He could hear the cries of his master, and was anxious to fly to