Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1855-03-29
VOLUME XII. NO. IA.

stricken with death he shook frightfully, his
eyes glared, his teeth chartered, and his mind
seemed wandering.
I. Your name it Steele, 1 think-George Steeles
I said quietly.
He stared vacantly then said Yes, George
Steele; you're right, sir, George Steele.
You are cousin, think, ofy your wife, and
of the late Mr.. William Steele, the surgeon
yes
DO you remember how long it was after your
trial at Liverpool that you changed your
name
NO. he answered. helplessly.
Had not Mr.. Steele another sister besides
your wite-one who displeased him by marry
ing!'
Yes, Miriam's mother
An exclamation flolas his wife, who stood in a
box behind, startled him little, but he shook
his head dismally, and said, as if to himself
It's no good.
What was her name-Ms. -, Mrs.
=, and turned over my brief us if to look
for it.
Mrs Blackwood, she married young Will
Blackwood, the Sqnire's son, as had been court
ing Martha afore Fanny left school,
The whole thing was now plain-as legible
to my mind as ifI had it upon my brief-but as
fact after fact rapidly followed, corroborated
and explained each other, began to fear that
should lose the connection, and not shape my
questions so as to bring out the truth for the
Jury
when was it that you first knew the child
left at Mr.. Steele's door, to he his sister, Mrs
Blackwood's child?
Not for good while but Martha knew it
soon after
That relationship is the reason, suppose,
why she dislikes the girl SO much; her sister
had captivated her sweetheart, eh and of
course she did not like the child!'
Yes, that reason, and another answered he
gloomily.
George exclaimed voice, which oil rec
ognized as that of his wife. He heard it as he
had before, but he took no heed.
'Ay, that was the will, suppose!
The will =
Yes, that document. which was contained in
the letter which Mr.. Steele gave to Miriam, you
know
A document; how come you to know any
thing about that7' he asked, as if suddenly
awakening from his dreamy state to conscious
ness of all that was going on around him.
'Oh, know all about it! You drew up the
first will, you remember, ten days before Mr..
Steele's DEATH but this deed, which altered the
disposal of his property, and left it to his sister
Fanny's child, was executed tho very day of his
death, and was stolen. from Miriam while she
slept''
"Oh Papa" " cried Edith Conway, show
did you know all that!''
~ did not know it, Edith l only thought
it probable, and acted as if it were certainty
but the man looked as surprised as you do, and
said, he did not leave it all to her.
No! I have been misnformed, then. How
much did he leave!'
George!' said the same warning voice.
How should knowl answered the fright
ened man.
Take that woman into custody" exclaimed
the judge, If she disturbs the court again =
The man was thoroughly alarmed and per-
picked.
How muoh besides tho house did he leave
to herN asked, quietly, fixing my eyes stead
lily upon his qaivering face.
Il don't know
That's a fasehood. Remember you're upon
your oath, man, and answer me truly how
much did Mr. Steel leave to his neicep
whats the good of bullying me! l tell
you don't know
Then came moments panse, and then said
) suddenly
Who mixed up the medicines'
The mans face was horrible to look at, as
asked this. White it had been all along but
now it was ghastly: the eyes started and glared,
and white froth came out, fringing the blue livid
: lips. | shuddered as looked. There was evil
IDENTIFY some terrible mystery, and almost dread
ed to speak, lest it should everwhelm me.
who mixed up the medicinesp q asked
: again.
A vacant stare of terror was all my answer
Il must have an answer, said sternly, or
: | shall ask his lordship to commit you
G 'Oh, Lord, Martha, it's come at last !, ex-
claimed the wretchedman l knew it would !!
$ and uttering hideous scream, he fell upon the
d floor of the wituess-box in strong convuleions'
u After this witness had been carried out, as
" soon as the confusion had subsidized, Mr.. Ashly
rose to reply on his evidence but it simpossi-
II BILE to recall the man, and endeavor to set him
ID right with the jury, or to remove from theil
h minds the fearful impression they had made, thu
Or counsel confined his remarks to a few common.
place observations, which he hurried over a,
I'D quickly as possible.
s. Lord Cranstoun then summoned up but tn
st jury needed him very little; they, in common
ir with all the court, were gazing at the prisoner
On who had tainted in the dock, and whose beauti
1t. full and sorrow stricken face lay white and move
it less before him. Her head was supported BY on
of the turnkeys, and a surgeon, who happened
ne to be near, and entered the box to chafe he
re hands and bathe her face; but to those roug
nd men in whose hands her fate reposed, this swoo
he appeared like death and knew as looked uT
st on their pityng faces that not the most obdurat
ok among them would venture to pronounce tn
Ill word which must in the event of her recovery
We doom her TO die
Id And was right Almost without turning II
to tha;r hov and auickv as if glad to release her