"It might be possible to find means of inducing him." Alice Deringham shook her head.

"From what I have seen of Mr.Alton, I fancy it would be difficult." "Well," said Deringham dryly, "we shall see." He had scarcely spoken when a soft drumming sound came out of the stillness.

It grew steadily louder, was lost in the roar of the river, and rose more distinct again, while the girl, who realized that a man was riding up the valley, wondered with unusual curiosity what news he would bring.

She also grew impatient, for that staccato drumming seemed to jar upon the harmonies of the evening, and she walked to the balustrade when the sound swelled into a thudding beat of hoofs.

The man was crossing the oatfield at a gallop now.