The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1877-04-19


banks and the sea. Spanning its foo
was a rustic bridge, about which grew
few, w,frs and larches.
It was here that Thomas Mildma
overlook John Westmacott. What pas
between them need not minutely re
count. It was accusation and refutatio
first, speedily followed by angry words
blended with threats. Then there was
blow sharp, short struggle, and on
man quilted the spot, while the othe
laid on the rivers bspk, with his face o.
the snow, motionless and still-by hl
side q spray of the holly-branch Ma.
Westleigh that morning had gathered.
CHAPTER III.
Not proven. That was the verdict.
John Westmacott, there was good rea
sou to believe that he was murdered, ant
by Thomas Mildmay. The two young
men had quilted the rectory together
each bound for the village. Only one
however, Thomas Mildmay, had arrived
at the inn, his clothes in disorder, hi
manner agitated, his shirt-front blood
stained. The next morning John West
macott was missing.
Search was made, but not only indica
tions of severe struggle were discovered
on the left bank of the river, but also th'
impress of a mans body in the snow, ant
a sprig of holly, gold seal, and q cane
an yof which were John sWestmacott'l
nrnnerty. EBut the body Of John est
.macott was absent ;5rs Z fss2
On being arrested, Thomas Mildma,
confessed that he and John .Westmacot
had fought by: the bridegroom wha
matter he refused to state, But he de-
clared the impress on the snow was hi.
own; that he had been struck down in
sensible by his opponent; that, on recoy
'ering, he had found himself alone, anc
fearing to arouse the inmates of tht
.rectory, had gone to the inn.
Some believed this story. May did from
her heart. Nevertheless, circumstantia
evidence was against him. On such
night the body Of a man thrown into tht
river would have been whirled dow1
to and lost in the ocean like wisp o.
straw. II 81 = = i,SIt
! Still, as no body could be found, The
direct proof of murder was wanting tht
Scotch jury brought in "Not Proven,
and with the brand of Cain on his fore
head, which only the appearance of Johr
Westmacott in life could remove, the
accused was released, condemned mutely
if not openly, by the public voice.
"Then what do you think has become O.
him?" asked the rector, sadly, after hear
ing that Thomas Mildmay's recital Of the
quarrel.
IT cannot imagine, sir, unless he com
mitted suicide" was the rejoinder "He
was mad at the moment. His accuse
ton, his language, showed it. He wa
capable of anything"
s'What do you intend doing, my poo
boy?", -. ...,, :,
man, gloomily. "What becomes of me-
there IS of small consequence"
ssSave to me dear fom," said May
moving near to him, and lifting her brave
eyes to his. eff you go, it shall not be
alone. I do not think you guilty. be-
lieye you all you have said. I have
promised to be your wife, and I will b
so now as ever, dear" +
For some moments the emotion wal
too great for words. Then, embracing
her tenderly, he exclaimed:
"Heaven bless you for those comfort
ing words, my darling. But no; yol
shall not make this sacrifice; you shal
not bear name shadowed by such yer.
dict, which implies my guilt, not snfh'
GENTLY proved for the law to punish, bu
equally guilty" :" - "A y =
n x X X
Two years had elapsed during which
no intelligence had been heard of Johl
Westmacott, were he living, nor lately, o
Thomas Mildmay, when, one storm!
night, the anniversary of John Westma
colts disappearance, the inmates of tht
rectory were aroused by the deep, melan
cholyib boom of the minute-gun. 1t was
sound unfortunately too often heard or
that wild, rugged north coast; but it
frequency did not deter the inhabitant
from quitting their beds, anxious to rem
der aid.
The rector was ever among the first Il
encourage the reward. On this night, de
spite his persuasions, for she had grown
very delicate, May, her plaid wrapped
around her, accompanied him.
The beach, crowded with men, pre-
sented an animated scene. Beyont
tossed the stormy sea, as black as the SIX.
above. except when the white crests
the waves flashed out, before they brok
with a deafening crash upon the shore
Among those waves, gored by then hid
den reefs, was the il-fated ship, rollin!
as in mortal agony, while clinging to tn
shrouds and rigging were tiny specks
known to be men, whose numbers, afte
each sweeping wave, were mournfail.
lessened.
With difficulty the ifeboat was launch
ed, manned by brave-hearted volunteers
and pulled on its mission OF rescue.
Twice successfully it made the journey
but the third time, caught by side wave
it and its freight were hurled pell-mel
upon the beach.
s'The boat is done for" said the rector
regarding it, "but, praise heaven, not be
fore all are saved"
"No, no! 0, papa, in mercy look,
cried May, catching his arm: "ihere !
vet one on board who has been lett be
hind" :,
Her words attracted every eye on tn
IL L. i
beach, and there, holding to the shro4ds
was visible the figure of a man. IN
next instant he had plunged into tn
boiling sea. ~,
"He would swim it. 1t is impossible,
calculated the doctor. "The boat is use
less. We have no means to help him
unless any here would risk their lives
meet him with a rope"
There was silence. The rope wa
ready-the man wanting. They wer
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