The writer, in protesting his inability to give any proof of his identity, had mentioned the two very circumstances which the old Squire had referred to in his posthumous letter.

He had admitted that he had gone to the bad in London in company with a youth named Fastnet.

The news of his death had reached England from abroad.

Besides, the reckless, devil-may-care tone of the epistle more than ever convinced the younger brother that this was no fraudulent claimant, but the honest growl of an outcast who little guessed what his name was worth to him.

Otherwise, why should he keep out of the way?
Captain Oliphant came to his room while these reflections were occupying his mind.