The morning news., 1892-03-27
THE NEWS: SUNDAY MARCH 81 18g2-TwELyE PAGES

having received at any time a wound on the
head from fall or a blow, or anything Of
that kindF"
Hes never been able to tell exactly how
IL happened Tilda answered, 'but he's
mentioned often that his head was hurt in
Australia"
Have you ever seen him like this be-
"Never till yesterday
And how long have you been married."
About three years, sir"
well, now. tell me. Was this injury to
the head, whatever it may have been, re-
ceived before or after your marriageP
After" returned Matilda. We've talked
about 1t a good deal, and I've tried to get to
the bottom of it often, but it always seemed
70 mlther him, and 80 lately haven't talked
about it much. can't help thinking that
Il must have happened the night that I left
Melbourne"
How long agoP'
WED been married about two months, -
said Matilda; and Sam had money coming
70 him In England, We made up our minds
TO come here, aud l went aboard the ship.
Sam was to have been there that night two
or three hours before we sailed, but be didn't
come. and never had word Of him for two
years.
The conversation had been carried on in
an ordinary tone at his very elbow, but Sam
paid no heed to the speakers, He had
drawn out of his pocket fiat plug Of tobacco
and clasp knife, and now sat shredding
the tobacco into coarse fragments with an
aspect almost mechanical.
"And how" asked the doctor, with an OBJ
servant sidelong glance at him, did he ex-
plain his absenceP'
"He never could.n returned Matilda, with
a gush OF tears. ''I've never been able to un-
derstand it to this day. His poor heads been
knocked about dreadfully. You can feel
that for yourself"
The doctor, rising and standing over his
patient, passed his dexterous fingers, at
once firm and light about Potter's head, and
paused suddenly with an indrawn whistling
breath.
THAT was a smash" he said. "and no
mistake" and SO sat down again. "Go on, /"
he said. nodding to Matilda.
That's all know" she answered.
Perhaps not quite all. We shall see.
Had your husband any reason for staying on
shore whilst you went on board shipi Try
to remember that"
20, yes" Matilda answered, readily. "ha
went to my old place to fetch my boxes.
I've thought sometimes he might have met
with robbers in the house. You see. sir. the
place was empty. Mr.. Hetheridge was be-
lieved to be dead at that time. He was lost
in the bush.n
"Mr. Hetherfdge" the doctor asked.
Was that the man your husband is charged
with assaultingg"
Its the same gentleman, sir" said Ma
tilda.
Mn" said the doctor, thoughtfully.
"Wen, Mrs Potter, for the present, there's
nothing for it but to keep your husband
quite tranquil. He musn't be bothered in
any way, but if you can rouse him a little
and find something to occupy him, it will do
him good. Only it must be done with the
greatest gentleness. Don't startle him, and
don't let MIN be worried"
He made certain necessary inquiries as to
the physical condition of bis patient, wrote
out the inevitable prescription, and took his
leave, revolving the whole business In his
mind.
Here again was suspicion dogging Heth-
eridge's murderous footsteps with nothing
but itself to feed on. It was as plainly to
be seen as the sun at midday, that Potter's
encounter with Hetheridge had so far ex-
cited him as to throw his disturbed mind
nearly off his balance. and his action in
dragging Hetheridge to the police station
indicated that he had, or fancied shat he
had. a criminal charge to prefer against
him. What more likely than a charge of
murderous assault. and-in the same breath
what less ikelyl
IN nm