He had unfolded the letter, and at the first words he beheld, a frown contracted his brows.

As he read on the frown deepened, and when he had done, an oath broke from his lips.

"God's life!" he cried, then again was silent, and so stood a moment with bent head.

At last he raised his eyes, and let them rest long and searchingly upon Kenneth, who now observed him in alarm.
"What--what is it ?" the lad asked, with hesitancy.
But Hogan never answered.

He strode past him to the door, and flung it wide.
"Beddoes!" he called.