He proposed, of his own accord, that I should accompany him to the inn in the village at which he had been staying.

The landlord (naturally enough distrusting his wretched guest) had warned him that morning to find some other place of shelter.

I engaged to use my influence with the man to make him change his purpose, and I succeeded in effecting the necessary arrangements for having the poor wretch properly looked after.

On my return to my own house, I wrote to a brother magistrate living near me, and to the superintendent of our county asylum, requesting them to consult with me on the best means of lawfully restraining Captain Stanwick until we could communicate with his relations.

Could I have done more than this?
The event of the next morning answered that question--answered it at once and forever.
III.
PRESENTING myself at Nettlegrove Hall toward sunset, to take charge of Miss Laroche, I was met by an obstacle in the shape of a protest from her aunt.
This good lady had been informed of the appearance of Captain Stanwick in the park, and she strongly disapproved of encouraging any further communication with him on the part of her niece.