The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1879-02-14
Miss Rutberford SMILED ahent;callv.

do, because i know her so well. /
have known her all my life, may say.
She is to be married, in few months,
to rich young farmer. Obi no, my
dear, you are mistaken"
Nevertheless, you shall hear what /
have to say, and then you can form
your own opinion"
have no objection to listen; but
my opinion will be changed with diff
Guilty" said Aline, still incredulous.
You know" began Miss Young,
that did not reach the breakfast-room
until your papa had nearly finished
reading prayers?"
Yes
AS 1 passed your room, 1 looked in to
see Il you were there"
And you saw"
Sarah, holding the bracelet you wore
last night in her hand, and looking ad-
miringly at it."
Did you, indeed?" said Aline, be-
coming grave.
give you my word !" returned Miss
Young. should be very sorry to do
the young person any harm, but can
not refrain from telling the truth"
"Oh, Selina!" said Aline. Il know
not what to think"
Are you changing your mind?'
fear So"
What has worked so great mira
cle?"
First OF all, your communications;
m addition to which, / remember that
last night the girl admired the bracelet
very much. Then, again, she was not
at prayers"
After some further consultation, the
young ladies went to the drawing-room,
and, having found Mrs. Rutherford made
her acquainted with the facts.
She, in her turn, consulted Mr.. Ruth
erford.
The clergyman, though humane
man, was occasionally hasty one.
Without waiting to think of the prob
able effects of his conduct upon the
girls character, he sent for the village
policeman.
On his arrival he told him to search
Sarah Tillson's box.
Sarah cheerfully gave up the key, not
knowing in the least what charge was
to be made against her.
Nothing was found in her box except
that which was strictly her private prop
erty.
Sarah had stood trembling by while
her box was opened in the presence of
Mr.. Rutherford and his family.
She knew intuitively that something
was wrong, but what that something was
q, boI a. nv, ,,,11,po
"Are you satisfied, STRIP asked the
policeman.
MOI replied Mr.. Rutherford. take
her to jail?"
"To JILL" cried Sarah, shrinking
back terrified.
"You give her in charge, sir?" asked
the policeman.
Il do"
"Oh, sir!" almost screamed Sarah,
"of what am accused, and why do you
all look so severely upon me? What
have l done?"
Il accuse you of stealing my daugh-
ter's bracelet. 1t remains to be proved
whether or not you have broken the
eighth commandment The facts are
very much against you. You were not
at prayers you admired the bracelet last
night, and this morning you were seen
with the bracelet in your hand"
"That is all true!' replied Sarah.
"But l swear to you, sir, that l am in
nocent!"
"Do not send her to prison, papa!"
said Aline, imploringly.
81 have duty to perform respond
ed Mr.. Rutherford.
"For my sake, let her alone! 1t may
be a mistake, after ali"
The parson was inexorable.
"Wait little while, sir f" pleaded
Sarah" wait, beseech you! If you
act thus hastily, you will blight my
character for life; and when you find
out my innocence, as you undoubtedly
will some day, you will, by your hasti-
ness lay the foundation of Il lasting re-
gret!"
II must do my duty said Mr.. Ruth
erford.
Il join my voice to that of Aline's,"
exclaimed Mrs. Rutherford. Be
lenient with the girl! Send her
home"
She must go to prison. The matter
is far too serious for me to deal with it, !"
replied her husband.
Then you decide upon charging her,
sir?" said the constable.
Yes. Take her away"
On hearing this harsh decision,
Sarah Tiltson fell back in n fainting
condition.
1t was some time before she could be
removed.
She passed from one fit to another.
The sympathy of the whole household
was excitedin her behalf.
But the clergyman prided himself
upon being firm as a rock when he once
made up his mind.
So, at about o'clock in the after
noon, Sarah found herself in custody
seated in small cart, by the side of G
policeman, with pair of handouts
round her wrists.
Fortunately for her, the assizes were
then being held, and she was tried at
once.
The jury found her Not guilty be-
cause there was no evidence of the dis
position of the missing property.
Every one, however, thought the case
very strong against her.