.

A NEW DEPARTURE.
Whatever good Mr.Raffles Haw's wealth did to the world, there could be no doubt that there were cases where it did harm.

The very contemplation and thought of it had upon many a disturbing and mischievous effect.
Especially was this the case with the old gunmaker.

From being merely a querulous and grasping man, he had now become bitter, brooding, and dangerous.

Week by week, as he saw the tide of wealth flow as it were through his very house without being able to divert the smallest rill to nourish his own fortunes, he became more wolfish and more hungry-eyed.
He spoke less of his own wrongs, but he brooded more, and would stand for hours on Tamfield Hill looking down at the great palace beneath, as a thirst-stricken man might gaze at the desert mirage.
He had worked, and peeped, and pried, too, until there were points upon which he knew more than either his son or his daughter.
"I suppose that you still don't know where your friend gets his money ?" he remarked to Robert one morning, as they walked together through the village.
"No, father, I do not.