Lyon County times. [volume] (Silver City, Nev.) 1874-1907, 1889-02-16
CHAPTER XVII

In spite OF the utmost vigilance on the
part of TIE police, and the offer of n large
reward both by Calton, on behalf of the
accused, and by Mr. Frettlby, the much de-
sired Sal Rawlins still remained hidden. The
millionaire he'd maintained most friendly
attitude towards Brian throughout the whole
affair He refused to believe him guilty, and
when Calton told him Of the defense of
proving an alibi by means of Sal Rawlins,
he Immediately offered a large reward,
which was enough in itself to set every
person with any time on their hands
hunting for the missing witness. All Aus
tralia and New Zealand rang with the ex-
tremely plebeian name of Sal Eawlins, the
papers being full of notices Offering rewards,
and handbills of staring re- letters were
posted up in all railway stations. Notvith-
standing all this, Sal Rawlins was still un-
discovered, and Calton, in despair. BEGAN to
think that she must be dead But Madge
though ct times her courage gave way, was
still hopeful.
"God will not permit such judicial crime
TO be committed as the murder OF an inno-
cent man." she declared
Mr.. Calton, to whom she said this, shook
his head doubtfully. "God has permitted it
TO take place before" he answered softly,
land we can only judge the future 10y the
past"
at last, the day Of the long expected trial
came. and as Calton sat in his Office looking
over his briei, a clerk entered and told him
Mr Frettlby and his daughter wished to see
him. When they came in the barrister saw
the millionaire looked haggaid and i'll, and
there was look of worry ON his face.
There is my daughter, Calton,n be said,
after hurried greetings had been exchanged.
"She wants to be present In court during
Fitzgerald's trial, and nothing can say will
dissuade herr
Calton turned, and looked at the girl in
some surprise.
"Yes" she answered. meeting his look
steadily, though her face was very pale; 81
must be there. shall go mad with anxiety
unless know how the trial goes on"
"But think of the disagreeable amount of
attention you will attract" urged the
lawyer.
mo one will recognize me-" she said
calnly;I am very plainly dressed, and
will wear this vcil;H and, drawing one from
her pocket, she went over to a small looking
glass which was hanging on the wall and tied
it on her face.
Calton looked in perplcxed manner at Mr.
Frettlby.
.'rm afraid you must consent" he said
"Very WE'LL" replied the other, almost
s.ernly, while a. lool, of annoyance passed
over his face. II will leave her in your
charge"
"And your
'rm not coming" answered Frettlby, put
ting on his hat ~ don't care about seeing a
I bax hal
the prisoners dock, much as l sympathize
be took his leave.
When the door closed on her father, Madge
placed her hand on Cations aria.
ANY hopel' she whispered, looking at him
through the black veil
''The merest chance" answered Cation,
putting. his brief into his bag. "Wc have
done everything in our power to discover this
girl, but without effect II she does not
come at the eleventh hour Pm afraid Brian
Fitzgerald is doomed man."
Madgc fell on her knees with a stiflsd cry
"Oh, God Of mercy she cried, raising her
hands as if in prayer, ''save him. Save my
darling, and let him not die for the crime of
another God"--
She dropped her face in her hands and
wept convulsively, as the lawyer touched her
lightly on the shoulder.
"Come!" he said, kindly. "Be the brave
girl you were, AMI wo may save him yet
The hour is darkest before the dawn, you
know"
Madgc dried her tears and followed the
lawyer to the cab, which was waiting for
them at the door. They drove quickly up to
the court, and Calton put her in a quiet
place, where she could see the dock and yet
be unobserved by the people in the body Of
the court. Just as he was leaving her she
touched his arm.
"Tell him" she whispered, in trembling
voice, ''tell my darling am here"
Calton nodded and hurried away to put on
his wig and gown, while Madge looked hur-
riedly round the court from her point Of
vantage. 1t was crowded with fashionable
Melbourne of both sexes, and they were all
talking together in subdued whispers. The
popular character Of the prisoner, his good
looks and engagement to Madge Frettlby,
together with the extraordinary circum-
stances Of the case, had raised public curios.
ity to tho highest pitch, and, consequently,
everybody who could possibly manage to
gain admission was there.
When the prisoner was brought in there
was a great flutter among the ladies, and
some of them even had the bad taste to pro-
duce opera glasses. Brian noticed this. and