The Labor enquirer., 1882-12-30
Her father brought her a chair in a
corner little out of sight

They went on with the examination.
It only proved the story I have related
more clearly, though carried on in a
rambling, discursive style Squire Dut-
ton was friend of Cartons, in fact, an
old employer; he addrsssed him as
Sam" and affected ligTfthess of tone
as if the whole accusation was mere
farce. But all his petty schemes could
notfthrow discredit on the facts, as they
were more plainly elected; he bit the
end of a goose quill impatiently. The
| men owed each other grudge. Carton
had sworn revenge. l"Them was idle
words, spoken heat" Sam said. But I
don't expect none to credit that" The
death-woundsy had been inflicted with
this knife, thatlay, with its fresh blood
stains, on the 'squire's green baize table;
the knife was found in Cartons hand.
Fullmer lay dead in the lane. Onlythey
two had been there alone% |/,N.#3
s'For how long? That's the pint" )" said
Dutton. doctor says Fullmer had been
dead an hour: Where was Sam an hour
back? It all depends on that, gentle
men," The jailer whispered to- him.
"Eh? Yes. heard of this" trying not
to look too boyish,y pleased, rubbing
first one gray 1whisker and then the
other. "A few words from Miss Tolivar
will settle matters then" Carton started.
took step forward, turned deadly pale.
can alibi, you understand, Simons. If
Carton left Mr.. Tolivars house at g, or
| buta few moments before, it is clear he
| is an innocent man. The blood on this
knife was frosted and dry when Stiles
! took it from him." 4 .
The jailer led the girl forward and
stood beside her. Don't be feard, Mat"
he whispered "Its Sans chance"
Carton leaned his hand on the 'squire's
table; it trembled, but his voice was
steady as he looked round at every face
in the room.
GIVE word to say" The reporters
looked up, the old squire laid down his
pen CAS- God lives, there's no blood on
my hands. But that's all I'll say. |
could clear myself of this murder by a
word but I've made up my mind not to
speak it. l want no lies sworn to for my
sake, Squire Dutton, either" He stopped
here as if his strength failed him no
one broke the silence. ''Not that Matty
Tolivar, with pitiful smile crossing his
lips, lis the woman to speak it. I'm not
feared of that" His eyes fell, his fingers
working nervously on the table; then he
raised his head, and said in a hearty,
cheerful tone, "Pm in a~bad risk. I see
that. But I think Pm doin' right in not.
clearing myself I've no mind to be a
martyr either. But thought the matter
over whenI found Bob FuIlmer layin'
there dead, and l concluded to keep
quiet ] believe" taking his felt hat off
his head, God will see me righted I'm
sure Of it."
He turned and looked at Martha, nod
ding for her to 60 on.
There was a pause; a little stir then;
one or two men drew long breath, as if
they had been startled, by strong, true
word, into cognizance of better life than
that of every day.
"You can sit down, Miss Tolivar," said
the old Squire, then rubbing his hand
uncertainty across his forehead.
She sat down. How clear the air had
suddenly grown, how easy her duty she
did not think, hardly, of the doom she
was bringing on this man she loved ), for
the first time in her life God was so near
and actual, waiting to help, listening for
the true, unfinching word. Question
and answer came sharp and quick.
Mr.. Carton spent part of yesterday
evening with your" .
"A part of it."
at what hour did he leave the
h6useW
Five minutes before g." =.
She could not help but hear the low
murmur that passed through the room,
nor her fathers smothered groan. Sam
Carton had not inspired them with the
security he had given her.
"Are you positive as to the time? the
old squire said, rising and pacing to and
fro.
tcx7,, l - --o;oo foll;por