Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1869-07-29

even if circumstances should require
II. to cause the arrest Of the forester.
for Dornev's assurance that Hill was
innocent had not shaken his own con-
vic,ion that Hill was guilty.
Thoughtful and pensive he sat in the
corner of his carriage: he did not
speak word To his companion. Tie
felt at a loss in what way il would be
best to face and address the forester.
He did not like to confront him as
Judge Of the criminal court. and yet
he ought not To forget how important
and solemn the task he bad 20 perform
was.
Mr.. Simmons had filled his Office mp
ward Of ten wears : he had tried hun
drcds and hundreds of cases, and had
commanded many and nianv a search
Ia be made : but though habit had made
him less susceptible TO the painfulness
Of the task. and generally enabled him
to preserve that degree of tranquility
which man in his position needs so
much. he was not hard-hearted or with
out feeling But now. the nearer he
came to the forcstcr's house. the more
his heart beat. To conceal his emo
tion from his companion. he looked
out of the window
| The road Ia the house was quite in
| the middle of the forest, and the yard
| and some acres of land. with a small
| garden in front. formed the only free
space around it. In spring and sum
mcr and also on bright winter days il
made an agreeable impression upon
the spectator. but on the stormy DAYS
Of autumn, when the high hccchcs
bent to the tempest, and in winter,
when the snow filed the roads and the
winds chased the flakes of snow about
its low gable. it looked lonely and
melancholy.
When the carriage was near the
house. two men approached il. They
were police officers.
"lou are here, | see. the judge
! sand don't follow me too closely.
hut keep in the vicinity Of the house.
that may call you when require
your services. If possible. take up
such a position that YOU are not OBJ
served by the inmates Of the house
and in case drive of without having
had To call for you. 60 home too with
out showing yourselves. but do not
take the same road YOU see me 20.
\ few minutes after the carriage
| stopped before the house. The judge
and the clerk got out and entered
The forester hal observed them al
ready. and had come out 10 meet them.
ITO what do owe the pleasure of
your visit" he said. His tone was
rather trcmulous was it surprise or
fear that made his voice tremblc: He
knew his two visitors, and could easily
guess that il was not mere chance that
had brought them 10 his house. There
was something restless III the inquir-
ing glance with which he looked nj the
judge.
Without answering his question .the
judge entered the room. the door of
which was left open. When he turned
toward the forester he thought his face
looked pale. His checks. too. were
hollow and sunk. and his ewes seemed
10 have lost their former life and fire
Hill had formerly been the very image
OF health and strength. What was the
cause of this change in his exterior:
Hill begged the two gentlemen to be
seated. But first he quietly removed
some clothing that lay on the sofa.
Both remained standing.
Are you ill. Mr. Hill?" the Judge
asked. looking fixedlv at him.
Not i'll and not well. " the forester
replied Il can do my business,
though with some difficulty, as feel
unwell just like man who has over
worked himself"
Perhaps you caught cold by hav-
ing staid out late:'
May be. -" Hill replied. though |
do not think that can be the reason.
You have been suffering some
time"
Yes, during some weeks.
That accounts for your absence
from town. You were in the habit of
coming pretty regularly every even
ing. "
"Yes, pretty regularly but then l
thought | should sooner get restored
by staying at home and keeping very
early hours. "
why didn't you consult a physi-
cian.'
We'll, have not great opinion
about doctors; thought my good
constitution would not require their
assistance.
But good constitution is one thing
and the doctors art another. If l
were you, would not delay consulting
a medical man.
Hill shrugged his shoulders; what
could he say:
The Judge hesitated moment in or
der to reflect how to commence his ex-
animation.
Mr.. Hill, he said, have to ask
you few questions in reference to the
murder of young Burns.
Hill started. What have l to do
with it = he said knitting his brows.
DO you know this portfolio:' the
judge went on, without taking notice
Of the forester's remark.
Hill gave it a penetrating look
NO, sir, he said calmly.
1T once belonged to Henry Burns,
and he had it on his person on the day
he was killed in the forest.
Il do not know it, he said, avoiding
the fixed look of the judge.
1T contained fifteen thousand dol
lars in bank-notes.
very likely Hill replied; what
concern is that of mine!'
sYou were in the forest on the day