The morning call., 1890-10-29


my worst enemy in former times, at that
moment l felt it to be relief to see face
knew. l had long forgiven him in my
heart; and when he assured me of his peni-
tence, we embraced each other with old
feelings of cordiality. He told me how
much lie had been shocked by my sentence :;
that he had determined to bid adieu to the
path of guilt; and that his friends on learn
ing this resolution, had generously come
forward once more and cleared him from
his embarIassments. He again entered
upon life, and by industry and care. had
saved sufficient to enable him to live inde-
pendently during the rest of his days,
which were doomed to be brief. He died
soon after my return, having beQueathed to
me his little fortune. He had a distant reIa-
tion who expected to have inherited it, and.
irritated by the disappointment, he has ac-
cuSed me of having forged that will. Most
unfortunately the person who witnessed it
is no longer living, and l am to be brought
to trial for the supposed offense. am sure
you will exert your best energies to save me
from the consequences; although l feel
cannot live long.
Indeed, | SHALL" said Manvers, grasping
his hand. Your life has been IA most un-
happy one; but your remaining days NAV
yet be passed in peace, if not in happiness"
"Neyerw exclaimed DeSmond-he had
not withdrawn his hand from that of Man
vers., and a tear fell upon it. My heart
was blighted in its sprlngtime, and ages of
freshness again. l hope" he continued,
speaking quickly and eagerly, 81 hope
shall not die before the trial takes place. |
hope | shall live 10 feel myself once more
free, and to know that men will say | have
been wronged and prosecuted"
God knows that | believe SO" said Man
vers. willing to soOthe him.
"D0 you? Do you, indeed?" he said, in
the same tone, and looking wistfully in the
N, TO- &. 1
gied through my trouble in vainp'
ACT lII.-THE TRIAL AND VERDICT.
The day of the trial came and Mauvers,
with confident and somewhat elated feel
iEgs, took his seat in the court. The coun-
sci for the prosecution. though man Of
brilliant talents, possessed but little Of his
usual eloQuence, and his witnesses were
wagering and uncertain in their decara-
tons. Manners gathered new hope from
these circumstanc and rose to address the
jury in behalf of the defendant with very
a rapid sketch of DeSmOndS story and
clearly and distinctly proved that the prin-
cipal witness against him had been cor
rupted. and the handwriting and signature
of tie will to be Neville's own. His strong
and pathetic appeal for justice TO the cause
of his unfortunate client impressed every
heart in the court with a conviction of Des-
mnnd's innocence; and Manners sat down,
delighted and aStonished az the effect he had
created.
The jury then retired for a few minutes,
and on their return gave verdict Of mot
guilty."
Manners friends fastened around him
with congratulations, and SO much excited
was he by the applause he had gained that
for some moments all thoughts of Desmond
fed from his mind. On inquiry he found
that on being discharged he had gone away
licitor, and Manners could gain no further
information concerning him. Disappointed,
he hardly knew why, the barriSter returned
to his chambers. His fees had been paid
and lie had not the slightest claim upon
Desmond but sti.l he wished to have seen
and known more of the unhappy man. Late
in the evening, however, as il in answer to
his thoughts, he received few lines from
him. Their purpOrt was to request him TO
come Immediately to his lodgings, and
thither Manners FASTENED.
ACT IV.-THE REVELATION.
Desmond was lying on his bed, evidently
in dying state; the excitement of the
morning had effected a frightful change in
his appearance. Witherington was seated
near him, and a medical attendant, having
pronounced the case hopeless one, had just
quilted the room. AS Manners came up to
the bedside and shook him warmly by the
hand a violent struggle seemed to agitate
his frame.
Come nearer" he whispered hoarsely,
and Manners bent over him. 1t is twenty
i've years to-day since | babe aiieu TO my
wife. 1t has been long and painful inter
val to support alone in this world of sorrows.
but it is nearly ended In my pocket-bnok
you Will find paper, which Will inform you
where she is buried; let me rest as near her
grave as possible. | am sure you will full
fill my last request" He paused. g wish
to leave the money you secured me by your
exertions this morning. Mr. Witherington
has promised me that you shall have it. -
" lmposSiblel" exclaimed Manyers-" you
must not think of it. EG1Ir strength will
not suffer ye9 10 execute any testament"
no matter" lie answered convulsively,
there is no need OF bequeathing ii now;"
and turning TO the solicitor he exclaimed
with fearful solemnity, Fail not to tell
him all"
Manners knelt by the bedside in an agony
of emotion, as if light had that instant
burst in upon his existence, exclaiming,
For Gods sake, tell me, at once. My age,
the circumstance of my life, your story-an
coincide. Are you my father"
A suppressed sob burst from the fast
heaving breast Of Desmond. Manners fell
into his arms and as he felt the old mans
cold tears gush upon his checks he heard
him family mutter, in his expiring breath,
My son.