The Saint Paul globe., 1899-03-19

equally, of course, all particulars of the
truth, the fact most probably that the trial
was going on, and that Beresford had been
arrested and brought back to Cliffville, had
been kept from Huldah-which indeed was
the
Mrs Prout had purposely kept Huldah in
seclusion, as far as was possible, lest she
should hear of it, and her grief and horror
be doubled-all the awful past brought
vivi0ly back to her remembrance before her
bodily strength was restored and she was
able to bear the shock OF learning that it
was Brian Beresford the man she and her
uncle had set such store by and thought so
much of, who guilty of his death
Brian, who had seemed so honest, SO good so
trustworthy, and whom Hulda many
occasions had held up as an example Of what
a man should be-
What is the news? Can't you speak and
tell me, Mr.. Wybrow?" cried Huldah. pres
emily, in an irrtated tone, her pale cheeks
flushing. There must be some, I'm certain.
Tell me-lm dying for news It's shameful
the way they keep me shut up here with
nothing to amuse me, as if I were a mad
woman, or-Or-
interposed jake alarmed at the excitement in
her tone. Hush don't be upset, 1 beg Per-
haps they are right after all, to keep you
quiet; you've been i'll, you know, and oughtn't
to be excited
"Then-then there is news-news that
would excite mel" cried Hudah her lips
trembling. Tell what it is, Jake Wy
brow-tel me, or I vow I'll go out up town
and get a newspaper and read it for myself!'
Newspaper! Who talked of newspapers,
Huldah? Can't there be news about without
its being printed news, then?" laughed Jake,
nervously.
There may be- she said, dryly; ''but this
Is in the papers, L reckon
Don't Mrs. Prout take in a newspaper,
then?" he asked
Seems to HE I've not had a sight of one
for ages" she replied "She used to l be-
lieve, once
well, readings not for sick folk 7 reckon"
Ia ho H1
dah.'
Going! What, before you've told me the
news?' Huldah said. 'No-thats not good
enough. Mr. Wybrow. sir There just sit
me no harm. Indeed it's best for me, for
till l hear it II shall just worry and fancy
all sorts Is it-you know''-and she lowered
her voice to a whisper-is it about-about
him, Mr Wybrow?"
Jake hestated and then nodded.
1T is" she cried, her eyes flashing strange
ly. And they kept it from me!''
1t was for your good they think Miss
Huldah, you know. he said The Doctor"
THE doctor! What do I care for him!
Jake Wybrow. you're killing me- you're kill
Ing me. say, SOS Aunt Caltry keeping things
from me l want TO know, and making. me
fancy Oh! 1 lie there, and fancy all sorts
OF awful things. L want to know that all
do be calm now, Miss Huldah.' implored
Jake. You will be iii again, and--and they'll
blame me. It's nearly over now and
"Over-what-what's over?' asked Huldah
brea athlessly.
why, the trial. of course" replied Jake
TITS been going on these several days-to-
morrow will be the last day, it's said"
"The trial. What do you mean? I never
heard of it. They never told me- What have
they discovered?" she asked, the repressed
excitement in her voice and eyes terrifying
Jake.
"Wel-everything. The jury will give their
verdict tomorrow"
Their verdict" she answered. THAT will
be. found dead'-eh ?"--and she looked at
him keenly.
Found dead! Why-hardly" he answered
ard the next moment he could have bitten
cut his tongue for the hasty reply it had ut
tered Far better she should think it had
been found dead perhaps
"Why-why not?" she faltered. rTeu me
why, Jake Wybrow?"
"Why-because they've found the fellow
VINO did it-who shot him you see,' answered
Jake. Lords sakei what is it?'
For Huldah, with cry had started from
her seat, and was standing, swaying from
side to side before him, her face white and
filled with horror.
Shot him! Who--who?" she cried, in a
aarsh voice The truth, Jake Wybrow-tell
me the whole truth. You shah not leave me
till you do. Who do they say did it?"
well, then, if must speak, he whose gun
they found in the swamp. Didn't you know?
Your uncle's hired man, Brian Beresford
repileo JAKE, in despair; seeing he could NOT
avoid giving her direct answer to her ones
ton.
Huldah sank back into her chair, silent and
motionless All her excitement seemed to
nave died away, and when she spoke again
her voice was calm, dull and toneless
Thank you, Mr.. Wybrow' she said IN
differently I'm glad you told me- Tomor-
row the verdict will be given, you say?"
.o,d fes, Mc tomorrow: n9ir Don't tell Mrs. Prout
vexed with me-" she said anxiouc1x,