And now--dead!" "Life, over there, is not worth a month's purchase just now," remarked Dr.West; and Lionel could but note that had he been discussing the death of a total stranger, instead of a nephew, he could only have spoken in the same indifferent, matter-of-fact tone.

"By all accounts, society is in a strange state there," he continued; "ruffians lying in wait ever for prey.

The men have been taken, and the gold found upon them, Luke writes." "That's good, so far," said Lionel.
When they reached Verner's Pride, they found that a letter was waiting for Frederick Massingbird, who had not been home since he left the house early in the afternoon.

The superscription was in the same handwriting as the letter Dr.West had brought--Luke Roy's.

There could be no doubt that it was only a confirmation of the tidings.
Mrs.Verner was in the drawing-room alone, Tynn said, ready to go in to dinner, and rather cross that Mr.Lionel should keep her waiting for it.
"Who will break it to her--you or I ?" asked Dr.West of Lionel.
"I think it should be you.