The morning star and Catholic messenger., 1868-11-01

locked. They made way for Tolivar and
his daughter, with whispers about "Car-
toms sweetheart, y prove an alibi," '.i1eat
foot and ankle." And this while the man
that Ind loved her SO was near death on the
other sido of the door
He had loved her-she knew now how
well; she could curse herself bitterly as q
man would, remembering how selfish she
had been with him.
When she entered the Office, she saw him
first, standing alone, his arms folded on his
breast, by the windOw, the sun lighting up
his shoulders and head. 1t was q homely
face, but there were grand steady lines
absut it, an air Of quiet strength and truth
that none Of these flinnsier men shared who
sat in judgment on him. He changed color
when he saw her, and then smiled. There
was always something sad and tender in the
mans smile. She felt herself breaking
down} the tears coming. Going straight to
himIshe took his hand.
nSam, l."
1t would be better you had no CONVEX
sation with the prisoner, Miss Tolivar,n
said the policeman.
Her father brought her a chair in corner
q little out of sight.
They went on with the examination. 1t
only proved the story have related more
clearly, though carried on in rambling.
discursive style. Squire Dutton was a
friend of Carton's-in fact, an old employ
er he addressed him as "Sam," and affect
ed a lightness Of tone as if the whole accu-
sation was mere farce. But all his petty
schemes could not throw discredit on the
facts as they were plainly elected he bit
the end OF his goOse-quill impatiently. The
men owed each other a grudge. Carton had
sworn revenge. ("Them was idle words,
spoke in heat" Sam said. "But don't
expect none to credit that.') The death
wounds had beeng inflicted with this knife,
that lay, with its fresh bloodstains, on the
squire's green-baize table; the knife was
found in Cartons hand. Fullmer lay dead
III the lane. Only they two had been there
alone. g-t
g For how long9 That's the point, said
Dutton. Doctor says Fullmer lad been
dead an hour. Where was Sam an hour
backY 1t oil depends on that, gentlemen
The jailer whispered to him.
:" Eth 2 Yes. heard of this" Trying
not to look too boyishly pleased, rubbing
first one gray whisker then the other.
tie the matter, then"
Carton started, took a step forward, turn
ed deadly pale.
&C. An alibi, you understand, Simons. If
Carton left Mr.. Tolivar's house at nine or
but, a few moments before, it is clear he is
an innocent man. The blood on this knife
was frosted and dried when Stiles took it
from him." - a.-
The jeiier led thegirl forward and stood
beside her.
60 Don't be feared, Mat" he whispered.
" It's Sans chance"
Carton leaned his hand on the squi'e's
table; it tremblcd, but his voice was steady
as he looked at every face in the room.
'I've IL word to say" The reporters
looked up, the old squire laid down his pen.
" AS God lives, there's no blood on my
hands. But that's all Tn say. could clear
myself of this murder by word but I've
made up my mind not to speak it, L want
no lies sworn to for my sake, Squire Dut-
ton, either" He stopped here as if his
strength failed him; no one broke the ST.
lence. "Not that Matty Tolivar," with
pitiful smile crossing his lips, "is the wo
man to speak it. I'm not feared of that"
His eyes fell, his fingers working nervously
on the table then he raised his head, and
said in a hearty cheerful tone: Pm in
bad risk. l see that But think Pm doing
right in not clearing myself. I've no mind
to be a martyr, either. But 1 thought the
matter over when found Bob Fullmer lay
i'm there dead, and L concluded to keep
quiet. believe God will see me righted.
l'm sure of it," He turned and looked at
Martha, nodding for her to go on.
There was pause-a little stir then
one or two mem drew a long breath, as if
they had been startled by strong true
word, in cognisance of better life than
that of every day.
You can sit down, Miss Tolivar," said
the old squire, then rubbing his hand un-
certainly across his forehead.