IT happened that one evening, within a week of his departure from Ministerfield, Jim Spedwick was induced to visit the hostelry called the Half Moon. It was the first time he had been seen there since the murder of Mr. Lacey. He was drawn thither by an irresistible desire to meet a few of his old acquaintances previous to leaving his native town for ever, as it might chance. He had no intention of making known his intention to depart, which of course he was free to do now that the inquest was closed. The inn was a favourite resort in the evening of the gossips of the town, and there the topics of the hour were discussed. Two or three of his friends were present, but a general feeling of surprise manifested itself when he appeared, and he was left in no doubt that most of the company regard
