WYLDER'S BAJVI). 109 "No," said Mr. Larkin again, "I'm not suspicious — naturally too much the reverse, I fear; hut it certainly does look odd. Did he tell the family at Brandon?" "Certainly not, that I heard. He may have mention- ed it. But I started with him, and we walked together, under the impression that he was going, as usual, to the inn, the — what d'ye call it ? — " Brandon Arms;" and it was a sudden thought — now I think of it — for he took no luggage, though to be sure-I dare say he has got clothes and things in town." "And when does he return?" "In a day or two at furthest," he said. "I wonder what they'll think of it at Brandon? " said the attorney, with a cavernous grin of sly enquiry at hia companion, which, recollecting his character, he softened into a sad sort of smile, and added, "No harm, I dare say; and, after all, you know, why should there — any man may have business; and, indeed, it is very likely, after all, that he really went about the jewels. "By-the-by," said Lake, rather briskly for him, rum- maging his pockets, "I'm glad I remembered he gave me a little note to Chelford. Are any of your people going to Brandon this morning?" "I'll send it," said the lawyer, eyeing the little pen- cilled note wistfully, which Lake presented between two fingers. "Don't you think it had best go at once ? — there may be something requiring an answer, and your post leaves, doesn't it, at twelve?" "Oh! an answer, is there?" said Mr. Larkin, draw- ing it from his pocket, and looking at it again with a per- ceptible curiosity. "I really can't say, not having read it, but there may," eaid Captain Lake, who was now and then a little imperii-