Do you know that he is--or perhaps by this time I should say he was--Sir John Manners ?" [Illustration] "Was ?" cried Will.

"Great God! Has Sir George discovered--is he dead?
If he is dead, it will be a sad day for Sir George and for Haddon Hall.

Tell me quickly." I at once knew Will Dawson was in the secret.

I answered:-- "I hope he is not dead.

Sir George attempted to strike Dorothy with a fagot, but Thomas stepped in front of her and received the blow.