The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1888-06-06

]
sip, Sandy was too shrewd not to know it
was not worth repeating.
Only the old evidence, therefore, was
laid before the sheriff, who carefully went
over the whole circumstances. He was a
clever man this, a lawyer and land
owner, and he had been personally ac-
quainted with the late Col. Biddulph, and
his shrewd gray eyes and acute ears fol-
lowed Biddulph's steady evidence with
keen attention.
''This lady was, elieve, your wife, Mr.
Biddulph?" said the sheriff. as Biddulph
concluded his account of the woman's
death.
"She was" answered Biddulph firmly;
"a wife whom l had not seen for years
until my uncle left me the property at
Dunbaan, when she appeared to claim a
! larger income, which gave her"
A faint smile passed over the sheriffs
face. Mr. Biddulph was supplying
motive for wishing to be rid OF his wife
without being asked for it.
But this Keen Scotchman knew the
human heart too well not to know that
these words pointed to innocence and not
10 guilt. In fact, the inquiry ended in its
being declared that this woman had met
her death probably through inadvert-
ence, by the hand of some nerson or per-
sons unknown but the sheriff considered
! himself justified in Offering a reward for
the discovery of such person or persons.
Then, as the inquiry ended, Biddulph
having first asked the sheriff leave 10 do
so, rose to his feet and addressed few
words TO those present.
IL wish, before this inquiry breaks up"
he said, calmly, and somewhat haughtily,
ito offer one thousand pounds reward, in
III 10 4N,sa 3
named for information that shall lead to
the discovery of the man who fired the
shot that killed my late wife in the Glen of
Balla. L have the sheriffs permission to
say this" and he bowed gravely to that
official
And people believed him innocent after
this. 1t is astonishing how quickly public
opinion veers round; and man was un-
likely to offer thousand pounds if there
was any chance of incriminating himself
by doing so. The sheriff entered into
friendly conversation with BidduIph. the
doctor warmly grasped his hand, and the
ears Of the police positively tingled.
A thousand pounds! There was not
man amongst them did not wish and per-
haps hope, to make the desired discovery.
And there was a man outside who grew
quite pale with excitement when he heard
supposed, because Mr.. Hill was cringing
in manner, that he was without ambition.
We all, probably, have some height to
which we would attain; and Sandy's
height was to cease to be a clerk, to cease
TO be Sandy, and to become SandfOrd Hill,
Esquire, Il merchant of the city of Glas-
gow a ship-owner. perhaps q ship-builder,
as his present master had been.
The village of Balla was quite lively
during the whole afternoon after the
sherih's inquiry was over. People
watched Mr.. Biddulph as he walked down
to the loch, with his head a little more
erect even than usual, and speculated and
talked about him, and among those who
watched him was Sandy Hill.
His friend the doctor went part OF the
way with Biddulph, and asked him if he
would not 90 and see 'the young leedy at
Rossmore" before he crossed the loch.
But Biddulph shook his head.
''Not to-day" he said: ''yet | should
like her to hear" he added, a little visit
fully; and the doctor took the hint.
81 shall be looking in there in about
half an hour" he said, with a kindly
CLEAN OF humor in his small eyes; ''and,
maybe, the news I'll carry will do her
more good than my potions." And ne
nodded, and turned away, and Biddulph
walked slowly on to the loch, where his
boat and his boatmen were waiting for
him.
He felt serious, if not sad. He was a
free man once more-free to 90 and come
unmatched, and hideoUs suspicion was
lifted off, or ought to be lifted off, his
name. And he was free to go also to the
true-hearted woman who had stood by
him when so many had turned away.
And this thought was very sweet to
Biddulph's heart. Since he had known
Nora, for the first time in his life he had
met some one who seemed to understand
that inner nature of his, which in ordinary
society he was apt to hide away. He
could, in truth, talk to her as he had
talked to none other; speak of
hopes and aspirations which were not
bounded by narrow time. They were
akin, he thought, and the fair garnlture
of womanhoOd made Nora, in his eyes, a
purer and better self
"She will pull man up, not drag him
down." he thought, recalling a certain
lofty expression in NOra's dark eyes, which
told OF a soul unspotted by mean frailties
and faults.
The ''pretty follies'' OF her sex had, in
truth, no charm for Biddulph. Perhaps
that dismal early experience of his had
made him bitter and apt to be cynical, and
not easily moved by fair face. "lf Miss
Stewart mad been plain woman | should
have liked her just as well,' he had fre-
ouently told himself; but perhaps on this
point he did not quite understand his own
feelings.
He was sitting thinking of her after this
solitary dinner was over, in the comforta-
BILE library at Dunbaan, on the day follow
ing the sherifi's inquiry at Balla, when he
heard the house-door bell ring, and the
usual sounds of an arrival.
In this lonely Highland home this was
quite an event, and Biddulph looked up
with some interest, and a few minutes
later old Donald brought him in a card, on
which was neatly printed
"Mr. Scndtord Hill"
"Who is Mr.. Sandford Hill?" he asked
of the gray haired servant.
81 never heard of the gentleman, sir"
replied Donald.
fIs he gentlemanp inquired Bidd-
ulph.
II could not take upon myself to say
exactly, sir" said the cautious Donald.
/ "ShOw him in. L suppose he wants a
Subscription or something"
II Then Sandy was ushered in. lie was
nervous, he was pale, but still he had his
wits about him.
0I have taken the liberty to call, Mr.
Biddulph 1 have the honor of speaking
10 MIR. Biddulph, have l not2'
81 am Mr.. Biddulph."