The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1878-12-13


him frequently, but brought with them
no comfort, for they really believed him
to be guilty. They thought, it is true,
he had acted under the influence of
liquor; but that was rather an aggrava-
ton than an excuse in the eyes of the
moral community of Oldtown and vi
cinity.
On the morning of the day of trial it
was found that David had escaped from
prison. Search was diligently made,
but without success. Two weeks sub
sequently the body of drowned man
was found upon the beach; and this
body was identified as that of David
Oaktree; and the drowning was thought
to be an act of felo de Sc.
After long illness, Hetty Seaton re-
covered. But, though restored to bodily
health, mentally she was far from well.
The cloud over her memory remained
as dark as ever; her cheerful spirits
we're gone. She became melancholy,
with little resemblance to the merry,
laughing Hetty of former days.
Time sped. Beriah Thorn, whose
good looks were forever gone, offered
himself matrimonially to Miss Seaton.
His offer was backed by the parental
Seatons, and by most of the family
friends. But Hetty refused him firmly,
almost fiercely. His lands, his hackers,
his money, the risk he had incurred in
her demonstrating to his oft-re-
peated story-were unavailing. Taking
Hetty's emphatic "Now as q final an
swer, Mr.. Beriah Thorn retired sullenly
to his COWS and his cabbages, to chew
the cud of revengefully bitter fancies.
David Oaktree's father and mother
mourned the loss of their son deeply,
finding no comfort save in hard work,
and it must be admitted that they
assiduously sought their consolation.
A few months after her recovery,
Hetty Seaton visited New York, for
the first time in her life. A cousin of
the Seatons, Mrs. Verdan, wealthy,
childless widow, had, when Hetty was
on the younger side of her teens,
offered to adopt the pretty little rustic.
The proposal which was then refused
was now renewed, and gladly accepted.
In her new home, surrounded by all
the softening influences which wealth,
controlled by education and adorned
with refinement, ever exerts we will
leave Hetty for the present, and turn
our attention to other affairs.
Seven years after in the month Of
November-the ship Invincible," from
Cadiz bound to New York, was wrecked
on the coast few miles from Oldtown.
The crew and passengers were saved.
The ship soon became complete wreck,
from which nothing not worn upon the
persons of the rescued was saved.
One of the passengers, an American,
soon discovered that the shore upon
which he had been cast formed part of
Ocean county, of which he was once q
resident.
delay to Oaktree, where he received
joyous welcome from old Elias and
Patience his wife.
The news was quickly bruited abroad
that David Oaktree had returned, alive
and well. The greatest excitement that
had prevailed in Oldtown since the
famous inquest was the immediate re-
suit. The ultimate consequences were
more serious. Beriah Thorn still lived
and cherished his old animosity against
our hero. Time, which usually lays a
healing hand on such social sores, had
intensified the bitterness of Beriah.
Actuated by this feeling, he caused a
warrant to be issued for David's arrest,
upon the old charge, and when the sun
first set upon him after his return the
wanderer was viewing the resplendent
scene from the west window of the
strongest cell in the county Jail. Four
weeks subsequent to his arrest, our hero
Was arraigned before the Court of Oyer
and Terminer for Ocean county. He
pleaded Not guilty"
The trial proceeded. The District
Attorney stated the points he intended
to prove.
1t is one of the clearest cases / was
ever connected with" he said. "There is
absolutely nothing to rebuff the evil
dence against the accused. Mr.. Oak
tree, you had better confess your guilt,
and throw yourself upon the mercy OF
the court"
Even to please such Daniel in the
law as you seem to be, / shall not alter
my plea, L am not guilty, sir!" was
David's bitter reply.
L can make it clear to the court that
you are! snarled Mr.. Fox, the District
Attorney.
Mr.. and Mrs. Seaton were examined.
Their evidence explained the relations
between David Oaktree and Mehitable
Seaton, and the rivalry of Thorn and
the accused. This was to show that
there was motive for the assault.
Others testified to the intense excite
ment of David on the eventful day.
This was done to make it appear that a
condition of mind existed that would
incite to deeds of violence.
Beriah Thorn was sworn.
"You saw the assault, Mr.. Thorn?
queried the District Attorney.
Eyes, sir, all of it," was the prompt
reply.
who were present beside yourself? q"
miss Seaton and David Oaktree."
where did the assault take places"
"On the Old South road, near Pas
tors meadow"
Estate the circumstances"
Miss Seaton and myself were walk
ing along the road. Oaktree met us,
and, without word being said, struck
me q violent blow, with an old spade