And he was on the hill that second night, when I first exchanged words with your Grace.

He was on the hill all the time; but I did not know he was there--nor did you.' 'Ah!' said the Duke, starting up.

'Go on--I yield the point--you may tell!' 'I heard this afternoon that he was at the point of death.

It was that which set me thinking of that past time--and induced me to search on the hill for what I have told you.

Coming back I heard that he wished to see the Vicar to confess to him a secret he had kept for more than twenty years--"out of respect to my Lord the Duke"-- something that he had seen committed on Marlbury Downs when returning to the flock on a December night twenty-two years ago.