"Mr.Grant is my friend, and my father's friend.

In the first horror of the crime which has besmirched our dear little village, we both treated Mr.Grant rather badly.

We know better to-day.

Your Ingermans and your Elkins, and the rest of the busybodies gathered at the inn, may defame him as they choose, or as they dare.

As for me, I am his loyal comrade, and shall remain so after next Wednesday, or a score of Wednesdays.