THE DEPARTURE That evening Jack received a brief note from Preston.

It said: "I learn that young Clarke is very ill.

I think you would better get out of England for fear of what may come.

A trial would be apt to cause embarrassment in high places.

Can I give you assistance ?" Jack returned this note by the same messenger: "Thanks, good friend, I shall go as soon as my business is finished, which I hope may be to-morrow." Just before the young man went to bed a brief note arrived from Margaret.