Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1892-02-05
MADELINE PROVES A FRIEND.

men who had brought me over They gave
me Observation-Disclosures, which | did not
touch, and glass Of wine, which ! drank off
eagerly.
Ever since my arrival at the house, had
been looking eagerly for some sign of Made
line Graham; but she had not appeared.
While l sat apart, however, George Redruth
entered the room, and after glancing at me
with q thought certain compassion, adj
dressed me.
This is a bad business, Trelawney," he
said, looking very pale and agitated.
glanced at him, but made no reply.
Let me tell you, however" he continued,
''that ugly as the evidence looks against you,
/ hope that you'lI succeed in proving your
innocence at the trial. haven't much cause
to love you, and poor Johnson had still less;
but upon my word, believe you Incapable
of such q crime as this"
Thank you, sir" | replied trembling. for
/ could have borne his anger or Indifference
better than his sympathy. You at least 10
me that justicep
He nodded assent, and was about to say
something more, when there was the rustic
of a dress behind him, and with quick start,
and a sharp pain at the heart | saw Made
line standing in the room. The sight Of her
was almost more than / could bear: shook
like a leaf, and my eyes filled with tears.
The next moment she stepped forward with
an eager cry Of recognition, and both hands
outreaching. Then, seeing that / was hand
cutfed, she uttered another cry--Of grief and
pain.
"Madelinep' cried her cousin, Warningly;
but she paid no attention. / had turned my
head away, too ashamed 10 meet her gaze,
but felt, rather than saw, that she was gaz-
Ing tendcrly into my face
When she spoke, her voice was broken and
fearful.
mr.. TreawneyI may | speak to YOU?
May | tell you how my heart aches and
bleeds for you III your great trouble? May L
assure you how deeply l believe-as all who
know you must belieYe-In your innocence
OF such a crime"
| turned my head and looked at her; my
head swan, and the tears so blinded me that
/ could not see her
God bless you for saying thatp' / muir
INJURED; and as l spoke she lifted my two
bound hands, and held them gently in her
own.
Il could not believe that any one would
think it possible" she said. II would have
come before, but waited, expecting to see
you set at liberty. But now | hear you are
TO be put upon your trial. All, do not fear !
Have cOuTagel Your innocence will be
proved, and you will soon be free man."
Perhaps" | answered; "but whether or
not it Is something to know that my inuO-
cence is believed IN by yOlLP'
How could l doubt it? Dear Mr. Ire
lawney, | know you better even than you
know yourself. No proof, however terrible,
could shake my faith in one whom | know
to be the bravcst and best of men; one who
is incapable Of any baseness, one to whom,
remember, owe my life"
She turned TO Redruth, who was looking
OH, ! thought, rather uneaSily.
And my cousin is equally certain that you
are falsely accused George, speak to hnul
tell himp'
looked at George Redruth; his brow was
clouded, and his expression far less cordial
than it had previously been.
Il have already told TrelaWney what |
think ON the subject. Nevertheless, the evil
dcnce is ugly, as he is aware"
But you knOtO he is nnocent! cried Made
line.
Il hope 50. Whoever took poor JohnsOn's
life was miserable and rufIianly coward,
we'll deserving the gallOws; and can't fancy
that Trelawney, III spite of his violent tenn
per is anything Of the kind
There was something i'm his manner now
which aroused all the angry blood within
me. His Old SUPERB .IiOuSncSS had returned,
and the compassion in his eyes had changed
to hard dislike and suspicion. | c0uli not
trust myScll to answer him, but, turning 10
the police officers, who sat by, | cried:
How long am to remain here? Take me
away. For Cots sake take me awayr'
An right" replied one of them. The
traps IT the door.
| rose 10 my icet, and then, setting my lips
firm 10 conquer my agitation, | turned again
to Madeline.
Don't miad M. Miss Graham | slla
come through this trouble right enough per-
haps; and whatever happens, | sh;, mt for
get your goodness | cared for no ones
GOOD opinion but yours. | am not the first
Innocent mat by many, who has had to face
an unjust Accusation, and answer it with ms
life; and what You have said To me will give
me courage, perhaps, to bear the sorrow
that's to Gomez
Before | realized what she was doing, she
had taken my hands again, had raised them
to her lips, and kissed them.
Don't. dou't!' | cried. half sobbiug. Il
can't bear it. Here, lads, take me away"
Use him kindly She cried weeping. and
addressing the officers. Remember, he is a
Don't be afraid, my lady" said Tile nun
who had previously spoken. wen look
after him"
And Nh. Trelawncy- dear frend--io not
think that, though W. part now. | shall be
idle | am rich. rene nhHr. and whatever
money can do for your def shall he dome
hy me. 1t i>a pfor return, indeed, for me
life You gave me. Keep a good heart! Think
that YOU have friends working for You. pray
Ing for you Think than the happy time will
come when lou will be free again to return
10 those You love, VINO love YOU and who
will love you the better for trouble bravey
Sorne.'
In rapture Of that moment l should have
caught her i'll my arms. but l was helpless.
and perhaps it was better So Gently, but
firmly. the officers led me from tie room, and
along the passage TO the door. where the dog
cart was waiting. There was a crowd about
the do0rStepS, and when | appeared there
was sympathetic murmur.
The officers pushed me through the groups,
anu mounted TO my seat IN the trap 1nen
l heard a wild cry, and saw my aunt who
rushed forward, reaching up her hands 10
touch mine
Hugh. my poor Hughr' she sohbed.
Don't cry, aunt l said, forcing a smile.
They don't hang innocent men in England.
shall soon come back hOme!"
At that there was a faint hurrah, led by
john Rudd. Several rough fellows from the
mine rushed forward, reached out then
horny hands in honest sympathy.
Cheer mp, Measter Hugh! None O ats Ne:
lleyes you killed 'un! Cheer up! Wen la
you back in St GurlottS soon