The Milan exchange. (Milan, Gibson County, Tenn.) 1874-1978, 1877-03-01

cations of severe struggle were dis
covered on the left bank of the river,
but also the impress of mans body
in the snow, and a sprig of holly, q
gold seal, and cane, all of which were
John Westmacott's property. But the
body of John Westmacott was absent.
On being arrested, Thomas Mildniay
confessed that he and John Westmacott
had fought by the bridge-upon what
matter he refused to state. But he de-
clared that the impress on the snow
was his own; that he had been struck
down insensible by his opponent; that,
on recovering, he had found himself
alone, and, fearing to alarm the in
mates of the rectory, had gone to the
inn.
Some believed this story. May did
from her heart. Nevertheless, circum-
seantial evidence was against him. On
such night, the body of man thrown
into the river would have been whirled
down to and lost in the ocean like
wisp of straw.
Still, as no body could be found, the
direct proof of murder was wanting,
the Scotch jury brought in "Not
Proven" and, with the brand of Cain
on his forehead, which only the appear
ance of John Westmacott in life could
remove, the accused was released, con-
demned mutely, if not openly, by the
public voice.
"Then what do you think has become
of himP" asked the Rector, sadly, after
hearing Thomas Mildmay's recital of
the quarrel.
al can not imagine, sir, unless he
committed suicide" was the reioinder.
{" He was mad at the moment. His ac-
cusation, his language, showed 1t. He
was capable of any thing"
"What do you intend doing, my poor
boyP"
81 shall 60 abroad" answered the
young man, gloomily. What be-
comes of me there is of little conse-
quence."
"Save to me, dear Tom," said May,
moving near to him, and lifting her
brave eyes to his. "If you go, it shall
not be alone. do not think you guilty.
1 believe all you have said. 1 have
promised to be your wife, and l will be
SO now as ever, dear"
For some moments his emotion was
too great for words. Then, embracing
her tenderly, he exclaimed:
"Heaven bless you for those COM
forting words, my darling. But no;
you shall not make this sacrifice; you
shall not bear name Swallowed by such
a verdict, which implies my guilt, not
sufficiently proved for the law to pun
ish, but equally guilty"
Two years had elapsed, during which
no intelligence had been heard of John
Westmacott, were he living, nor lately
of Thomas Midway, when, one stormy
night, the anniversary of John West
macott's disappearance, the inmates of
the rectory were aroused by the deep,
melancholy boom of the minute-gun.
1t was sound unfortunately too often
heard on that wild, rugged north coast;
but its frequency did not deter the in
habitants from quitting their beds,
anxious to render aid.
The Rector was ever among the first
to encourage the reward. On this
night, despite his persuasions, for she
had grown very delicate, May, her
plaid wrapped around her, accompanied
him.
The beach, crowded with men, pre-
scented an animated scene. Beyond
tossed the stormy sea, as black as the
sky above, except when the white crests
of the waves flashed out, before they
broke with deafening crash upon the
shore. Among those waves, gored by
the then hidden reefs, was the Inflated
ship, rolling as in mortal agony, while
clinging to the shrouds and rigging
were tiny specks, known to be men,
whose numbers, after each sweeping
wave, were mournfully lessened.
With difficulty the life-5oat was
launched, manned by brave-hearted
volunteers, and pulled on its mission of
rescue.
Twice successfully it made the jour
ney, but the third time, caught by a
side wave, it and its freight were hurled
pell-mell upon the beach.
"The boat is done for" said the
Rector, regarding it, "but, praise
heaven, not before all are saved"
"No, no! o, papa, in mercy look, ="
cried May, catching his arm. "There
is yet one on board who has been left
behind"
Her words attracted every eye on the
beach, and there, holding to the
shrouds, was visible the figure of a
man. The next instant he had plunged
into the boiling sea.
"He would swim it. 1t is impossi-
ble," calculated the Doctor. "The
boat is useless. We have no means to
help him, unless any here would risk
their lives to meet him with rope"
There was silence. The rope was
ready--the man wanting. They were
not towards, but few there could swim,