The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1879-08-13

and her only action had been to COW
er the mark ef the hand with plate,
as she had seen the policeman do in
connection with the marks in the
grounds, when Josiah Thomas. filed
with CONSERVATION, rushed into the
house.
Ruth, Ruth ~ be cried, in verita-
BILE terror-"they have taken David
into custody for stealing f300 from
the farmer here! He would not do
it-he is too good . fellowl l shall
surely 20 mad if they put David in
prison !n
She neither knew what to DO or to
say.
IL was listening" abe said," when
Mr.. Summers came here, and / know
all until they went away. What has
happened since 7"
"No sooner had your father told
him about the robbery, and that be
was suspected of it than you know
how passionate he is-he flung your
father down, whereupon the farmer,
in his rage, gave him into custody,
and be has been taken up before Sir
Robert"
She was afraid to answer him then
and there, for there Yves no one there
to help her.
Again, she was SO much confused
by bis evident grief.
Let us go up to the Hail." said
she.
During their walk be never ceased
speaking in praise of his cousin, who,
apparently, he had ruined remorse-
lessly by means of an Infamous and
monstrous act.
They reached the Hall as Sir Rob-
ert Naddenham, the Justice of the
peace before whom David Thomas
had been taken, had decided to re-.
mand the case until next day, he re-
fusing to admit the accused to bail,
but at the same time declining to
send him to prison.
1t was understood that the consta.
BILE was not to leave him, and that
the investigation was to be resumed
on the following morning.
Next morning, the post-mistress
found thick letter for Farmer Hart
ley, which bad been dropped in the
box during the night.
The lawyer engaged for the farm
er's ward, the ward himself, and
Ruth (still silent. but determined to
speak before the justice), were pres.
ent when the servant brought in the
unstamped packet.
The farmer opened it. and found it
contained the packet of notes, still
sealed as be had left it on the Sun
day evening.
The thief had actually returned
them without opening the wrapper in
which they were enclosed.
"Oh !" said the lawyer, "there is
something more in is than is ct
first sight apparent There has been
no theft here for the. IKE Of the theft;
and either David II mas has an &C
complice or he isI Fictim. If the
former, how is it tt lccomplice did
not make p, away . Fd.y with the
"I'm very sorry ! gave the lad in
to custody; and let me tell you, law
yer, l like him ell the better for
knocking me down, though ! am bis
Ruth's father, when / accused him of
stealing the notes."
81 know who stole the money,
father !" interposed Ruth.
"You, child 2"
She pointed to Josiah Thomas,
now wildly coming towards the
house. and looking the picture of de-
spsir.
Farmer be said, you won't say
q word against Dave, will you? III
pay double the sum, and here's the
money! Dave couldn't do no harm
and if harm comes to him, it will be
bad for him and me-
'I've got my wards money back,
said the farmer; "and ! shall not 20
up to the Hall, except to say thy
cousin is innocent, as believe him
to be-"
"He is !" said Josiah Thomas, earn
estly.
And who is the thief ?" asked
Ruth.
"Who p be answered, awkward
ly.
She took him by the lef: hand,
pointing to the MANNED finger, drag
ged the half fainting man to the win.
dow, took up the plate, and showed
him the mark of the hand, less the |
third finger, in the turf.
II did it," be said, falling TO the
ground.
When they had restored the poor
wretch, Ruth, with the unerring in.
stiDct of woman, said:
"You love him. and you have al.
ways loved him; why seek to ruin
him ?"
"Oh," replied the unfortunate man,
1--WE had been SO happy at the farm
that wanted no change. thought
that by doing what did l should
break of the marriage between you
two, and then be and / might have
once more been happy at the farm.
But l know now ii never could have
been, | am ready to receive my pun.
ishment."
"But o woman can always forgive
one who Injuries one che loves, out of
very love for him."
"His own confession would send
him to Portland for FIVE years." OBJ
served the lawyer. gravely.
"You must save him J" said she,
with determination
The lawyer scratched bis wise,
square old head for time, and then
he resolved what to do.
Farmer, you must say you have
found the notes, and that there has
been no burglary; that will set David
free. Bet the poss-mistress will guess
what the packet contained. and,
therefore. the neighbors would talk,
and one or other cousin would lose
his character.
LET me suffer-" said the repentant
man.
"You must 60 away, and write the
truth to Sir Robert after you are be-
-ooI tho oh oe xhn l. q,