Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1879-07-21

ed turf-a left hand, and of which the
third finger was absent. There were in
the distinct indented impressions of the
thumb, index, and long second finger,
and then there was space between that
finger and the little one.
She knew Josiah Thomas had lost the
third finger in question down to the Sec
ond joint, and that, therefore, the mark
of the hand was not go much circumstan-
tial as dirsct evidence. He had printed
the proofs of his guilt on the surface of
the box of mignonette growing in the
very window sill where he had thrown
the button down. e
It was clear to her as daylight-he
HAD rested his left hand on the box while
his right was engaged in forcing the win
dow.
But bis motive-his motive?
What should she do.
She was still apparently inactive and
yet her busy brain was planning, and
only action had been to cover the mark
Of the hand with plate, as she had seen
the policeman do in connection with the
marks in the grounds, when Josiah Tho
mas, filled with CONSERVATION rushed into
the house.
Ruth, Ruth !'' he cried, in veritable
terror-'they have taken David into
custody for stealing 93Oo from the far
mer here He would not do it-he is too
good fellow l shall go mad if they
put David in prison !"
She neither knew what to do or to
say.
Il was listening" she said, "when
Mr.. Summers came here, and I know all
until they went away. What has hap
pened since %
"No soooner had your father told him
about the robbery, and that he was sus-
pected of it than you know how passion
ate he is-he flung your father down,
whereupon the farmer, in his rage, gave
him into custody, and he has been taken
up before Sir Robert"
She was afraid to answer him then
| md tbora for thara ma q M ono thara to
help her. Again. she was so much con-
fused by his evident grief.
"Let us 60 up to the Hail. she said.
During their walk he never ceased
speaking in praise of his cousin, whom,
apparently, he had ruined remorselessly
by means of an Infamous and monstrous
act.
They reached the Hall as Sir Robert
Maddenham, the justice of the peace be-
fore whom David Thomas had been taken
had decided to remand the case until
next day. he refusing to admit the accu-
sed to bail, but at the same time declin.
ing to send him to prison.
1t was understood that the constable
was not to leave him, and that the inves
tigation was to be resumed on the follow.
ing morning.
Next morning, the post-mistress found
thick letter for Farmer Hartley. which
had been dropped in the box during t h'
night.
The lawyer engaged for the farmer
ward, the ward himself, and Ruth (stil
silent, but determined to speak befor
the justice), were present when the ser
want brought in the unstamped packet.
The farmer opened 1t, and found
, contained the packet.of notes. still seal
ed as he had left it on the Sunday eve
E ming. The thief had actually returned
e them without opening the wrapper II
which they were enclosed
? "Oh p said the lawyer. ''there a !
o something more in this than is at frs
/, sight apparent. There has been no thef
@ here for the sake of the theft /; and eithe
David Thomas has an accomplice or b
3 is victim. If the former, how it
this accomplice did not make away yes
terday with the sum p
"I'm very sorry gave the lad int
e custody and let ME tell you, lawyer.
!. like him all the better for knocking m
; down, though L am his Ruth's father
when | accused him of stealing tn
e notes."
J, 81 know who stole the money, father!
y interposed Ruth.
It "You child ?"
d She pointed to Josiah Thomas, no
wildly coming toward the house. an
S looking the picture of despair.
/, Farmer" he said. "you won't say
l. word against Dave. will you? I'll pa
double the sum, and here's the money
= Dave couldn't do no harm and if har
comes to him. it will be bad for him ar
y me.
"I'vc got my wards money back
;, said the farmer sand | shall not 60 ,
to the Hall, except to say thy cousin
" innocent, as | believe him to be"
= "He is!'' said Josiah Thomas. ca
nestly.
"And who is the thief ?" ask
Ruth.
"Who 2" he answered awkardly.
II l. "a 1 I