Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1888-08-23


had long conversation with his daughter,
and wanted her to 60 up 10 Yabba Yallock
Station until the public excitement had some
what subS;ded But this Madge Hatly refused
TO do.
"rm not going to desert him when be most
needs me-" she said. resolutsly; everybody
has turned against him, even before they
have heard the facts Of the case He says be
is not guilty, and believe him"
''Theu let him prove his innocence" said
her father. who was pacing slowly up and
down the room; "if be did not get into the
cab with Whyte be must have been some
where else, so be ought to set up the defense
Of an alibi."
"He can easily do that" " said Nudge, with
a ray of hope lighting up her sad face; "he
was here till II o'clock on Thursday night"
"Very probably" returned her father
dryly; "but where was he at ! O'Clock on
Friday morningF
Besides, Mr.. Whyte left the house long
before Brian did" she went on rapidly.
"You must remember-it was when you guar
relied with Mr.. Whyte"
my dear Madge," said Mr.. Frettlby, stop
ping in front OF her with displeased look,
''you are Incorrect Whyte and myself did
not quarrel He asked me If It were true
that Fitzgerald was engaged to you, and
answered yes That was all, and then he left
the house,
"Yes, and Brian didn't go until two hours
after" said Madge. triumphantly. "He
never saw Mr.. Whyte the whole night"
80 he says" replied Mr. Frettlby, signih-
cantly.
81 believe Brian before any one else in the
world" said his daughter. hotly. with flushed
cheeks and flashing eyes.
"Ahl but will juryg" queried her father.
"You have turned against him too" an
swered Madge, her eyes filling with tears
"You believe him guilty"
al am not prepared either to deny or affirm
his guilt" said MIR Frettlby, coldly. ~ have
done what could to help him-l have en-
gagged Calton to defend him, and If eloquence
and skill can save him, you may set your
mind at rest"
my dear father" said Madge, throwing
her arms around his neck, 81 knew you
would not desert him altogether. for my
sake"
my darling" replied her father in a fal-
tering voice, as he kissed her, "there is moth
ing in the world l would not do for your
sake"
Meanwhile Brian was sitting in his cell in
the Melbourne jail thinking sadly enough
about his position He saw no hope of
escape except one, and that he did not intend
to take advantage Of
ut would kill her; it would kill her." he
said feverishly, as he paced to and fro over
ALaA h. %
the Fitzgeralds should perish like a common
thief than that she should know the bitter
truth. If engage lawyer to defend me-"
he went on, "the first question he will ask me
will be where was | on that night, and if |
tell him all will be discovered, and then-no
mol cannot do it; it would kill her, my
darling" and throwing himself down on the
bed, he covered his face with his hands.
He was reused by the opening of the door
of his cell, and on looking up saw that it was
Calton who entered He was a great friend
Of Fitzgerald's, and Brian was deeply touched
by his kindness in coming to see him. Dun
can Calton had kindly heart, and was anx-
ious to help Brian, but there was also touch
of self interest in the matter. He had re-
ceived note from Mr.. Frettlby, asking him
to defend Fitzgerald, which he agreed to
with avidity, as he foresaw in this case an
opportunity for his name becoming known
throughout tho Australian colonies. 1t is
true that he was already celebrated lawyer
but his reputation was purely local one,
and as he foresaw that Fitzgerald's trial for
murder would :. cause great sensation
throughout Australia and New Zealand,
therefore determined to take advantage of it
as another step in the ladder which led to
fame, wealth and position. So this tall, keen
eyed man, with the clean shaven face and ex-
pressive mouth, advanced into the cell, and
took Brian by the hand.
at is very kind Of you to come and see
me-" said Fitzgerald; lit is at time like this
that one appreciates friendship"
"Yes, of course, answered the lawyer, fix
ing his keen eyes on the others haggard face
as il he would read his uttermost thoughts
IL came partly on my own account and
partly because Frettlby asked to see you as
to your defense"
"Mr. Frettlby7 said Brian, in mechani-
cal way "He is very kind; thought he be-
lieved me guilty"
mo man. is considered guilty until he has
been proved So" answered Calton, evasively.
Brian noticed how guarded the answer was,
for he heaved an impatient sigh.
"And Miss Frettlbyr he asked, in a hesi-
tating manner This time ae got a decided
answer.
"She declines to believe you guilty, and
will not hear word said against you"
'God bless herl" said Brian, fervently; ''she
is true woman. suppose l am pretty well
canvassedr he added, bitterly.
Nothing else talked about, answered CAL
ton, calmly "Your arrest has, for the pres
ent, suspended all interest in theatres, cricket
matches and balls, and you are at the present
moment hcng discussed threadbare in clubs
and drawing r',' ~
| Fitzgerald writhed. He was q singularly
proud man, and there was something mex
pressibly CALLING in this unpleasant publicity.
"But this is all idle chatter" said Calton,
taking seat I'VE must get to business Of
course you will accept me as your counsel"
ut is no good my doing So" replied Brian.
gloomily. "The rope is already round my
neck"
Nonsense" replied the lawyer, cheerfully;
''the rope is round no mans neck until he is
on thsscaf6ld Now, you need not say a
word" he went on, holding up his hand as
Brian was about to speak; ~ am going to
defend you In this case whether you like II
or not do fsqt know all the facts, except
what the papers have stated, and they exag
gerate so much shat one can place no reliance
ON thems At oil syents, believe from my
heart that you aiS innocent, and you must
walk out of the prisoners dock a free man, II
only for the sake of that neble girl who loves
you"