"Yes, it has waited twelve years."

"I don't understand you, sir," said the squire.

"Perhaps I can assist you. You know me as Henry Morton. That is not my real name."

"An alias!" sneered the squire in a significant tone.

"Yes, I had my reasons," returned the young man, unmoved.

Henry Morton smiled, but did not otherwise notice the unpleasant imputation.

"My real name is Richard Waring."

Squire Haynes started violently and scrutinized the young man closely through his spectacles. His vague suspicions were confirmed.