“’Tis well,” said the Baron; “we will set out as soon as they are ready.”

“My Lord,” said Oswald, “I have a favour to beg of you; it is, that I may attend you; I have seen the progress of this wonderful discovery, and I have a great desire to see the conclusion of it; perhaps my presence may be of service in the course of your business.”

“Perhaps it may,” said the Baron; “I have no objection, if you desire to go.”

They then separated, and went to prepare for their journey.

Oswald had a private interview with Joseph, whom he informed of all that he knew, and his resolution to attend the Baron in his journey to the north.

“I go,” said he, “to bear witness in behalf of injured innocence.  If it be needful, I shall call upon you; therefore hold yourself in readiness in case you should be sent for.”

“That I will,” said Joseph, “and spend my last remains of life and strength, to help my young lord to his right and title.  But do they not begin to suspect who is the heir of Lovel?”

“Not in the least,” said Oswald; “they think him concerned in the discovery, but have no idea of his being interested in the event.”

“Oh, father!” said Joseph, “I shall think every day a week till your return; but I will no longer keep you from your repose.”

“Good night,” said Oswald; “but I have another visit to pay before I go to rest.”

He left Joseph, and went on tip-toe to Mr. William’s room, and tapped at his door.  He came and opened it.  “What news, father?”

“Not much; I have only orders to tell you that Edmund is well, and as much your friend as ever.”

“I guessed,” said William, “that we should hear something of him.  I have still another guess.”

“What is that, my child?”

“That we shall see or hear of him where we are going.”

“It is very likely,” said Oswald; “and I would have you be prepared for it;—­ I am confident we shall hear nothing to his discredit.”

“I am certain of that,” said William, “and I shall rejoice to see him; I conclude that he is under the protection of Sir Philip Harclay.”

“He is so,” said Oswald; “I had my information from Sir Philip’s servant, who is one of the messengers, and was guide to the others in their way hither.”

After some farther conversation they separated, and each went to his repose.

The next morning the whole party set out on their journey; they travelled by easy stages on account of the Baron’s health, which began to be impaired, and arrived in health and spirits at the castle of Lord Graham, where they were received with the utmost respect and kindness by the noble master.

The Lord Lovel had recovered his health and strength as much as possible in the time, and was impatient to be gone from thence to his own house.  He was surprised to hear of the arrival of his brother and nephews, and expressed no pleasure at the thoughts of seeing them.  When Sir Philip Harclay came to pay his respects to Baron Fitz-Owen, the latter received him with civility, but with a coldness that was apparent.  Sir Robert left the room, doubting his resolution.  Sir Philip advanced, and took the Baron by the hand.