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EARLE gazed at the gypsy without exhibiting
the least emotion at these words.

“How do you know that?” he said.

“But first tell me where you have been?'

“I have been yonder in the woods, in the
great ravine beyond Maverick House. On the
night of the attack on Westbrooke Hall, I went
with you as far as the ledge on the sea shore.
There my heart failed me. I heard the shouts
of the revenue guard. I was a coward, and
glided into the darkness.”

“You did well. I have been wounded; but
that is no matter. You say I am pursued?”

“Yes, brother. I was at the revenue station
to-day, offering to tell fortunes. As I was telling
that of the young officer in command, the

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man Wilde rode up hastily. He brought a
note. The officer read it half aloud, and I
heard it. It was from Sir Murdaugh Westbrooke,
and asked for a party of men to arrest
you. You were lurking at a place on the coast
near the village of Oldport.”

“Ah! he has found out that? And the men
were sent?”

“Yes, brother. They were ordered out immediately.
Then I left in a hurry, and began
to run toward Oldport. As I went, I thought
of the hut on the headland, where the solitary
woman lives. You might be there, and I went
up the steep cliff by a path I found. You were
gone; the woman said, had followed the path
toward Maverick House. I ran after you, and
here I am. The baronet is probably on your
track too.”

Earle nodded coolly.

“It is well,” he said.

He looked keenly at the gypsy, as though to
read him through. The look seemed to be understood
by the vagabond. His face flushed,
and he said,—

“You don't doubt me, brother?”

“No,” said Earle, extending his hand; “but
this deep interest you show in a stranger—”

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“You are no stranger, brother. You are one
of the Rommanye Rye. But there is more to
make me your friend. You have been kind to
me. You have not despised me. All the world
despises the gypsies. They are vagabonds and
thieves! At their appearance, the housewife
takes in her linen from the hedge. When they
camp in the woods near a homestead, the farmer
looks to his sheep and pigs. They are outeasts;
all curse them! I am one of them, and you
have been kind, not cruel. You are a gentleman,
and have touched my hand and called the
poor gypsy `brother.' That has moved him;
he is your friend. I swear to watch over and
obey you, brother!”

Earle saw that the speaker was in earnest, and
suddenly the thought came, “Here is the witness
to the murder.”

“You will do what I ask of you, then,
brother?” he said.

“I swear it; order me. I am yours!”

“Then follow me. I am going to reveal
the murderer of Giles Maverick to his son
Arthur. Remain concealed in the shadow
of the trees near the house. When I call you,
come quickly. See, we are near now. Here is
the wall!”

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