Evening star., 1903-09-01

me for coming at ALL Well, how do I know
you wouldn't treat me in the same way
again, and leave me to drag myself back
home the best way 1 could II 1 said some
thing that didn't quite please your
John chafed a little at this and hummed
and had and said he hadn't noticed she
was lame. But Piety knew better and car
ried her point, slipping through the yard
gate with Nigel while Mercer remained
behind. keeping jealous guard over the
desolate house and it's ghastly occupant,
and only waiting for Piety to be out of
hearing before making known his discovery
to the group Of men who were still hanging
about the place, pointing to Nigel and dis
cussing the thing which had happened
Meanwhile Piety and Nigel were going
steadily up the hill in profound silence.
1t was not until they had got abreast of
the farm at the top of the hill that either
of them spoke.
Then Piety. seized afresh by the horrible
remembrance of what she had seen among
the stacks. clutched his arm and said In a
whisper, Won't you tell me now who 1t
was did it? 1 know it wasn't YOU"
But Nigel would give her no direct an
swer. He only pressed her hand CRATE
fully and looked down at her face as they
passed under the shadow Of the overhang-
ing trees.
Bless you, bless you, Piety! 1t does me
good to hear you say them words. But
come along, come along, my lass, or I'm
afraid they won't let me take you home"
A>o" tHat tHcy HdO got lItO Tie group OF
cottages they had to pass a scattered
throng of villagers men and women, who
had gathered together to discuss the
tragedy and the horror of the situation In
Wmch wi her unhappy lover was placed struck
Piety anew as She noticed how a hush
Tell upon each group as they passed. and
turning around, she saw the people cluster
ing together, pointing at Nigel and whis-
pering.
At last, when they had passed the last
OF the cottages, and were abreast of the
gate through which Piety had gone to hide
away her bicycle, one old man emboldened
oy the gathering force of public opinion,
quavered out close behind the pair: AYE.
aye, make the most of your time lad; you
won't be free man long, not If you get
your deSertSn
Piety stopped short with an angry light
in her eyes.
them that you didn't do it,
But Nigel hesitated.
What's the good?" he asked in low
voice, with sudden meekness so unusual
in him that it alarmed her. You know as
they won't believe met
But tell them, tell them" she repeated
passionately, stamping with her uninjured
foot on the ground peremptorily and fore
| ing him to turn and face the man who had
spoken to him Listen" cried she. I'm a
louder voice. addressing the group of which
the old man formed one. Listen to what
he's going to tell you
Nigel. however. though he obeyed Piety's
wish, as he was always ready to do, did
himself little good by his denial. For 1t
was in hollow, broken voice, hesitating.
unimpressive. that he said, Il didn't do it.
mates; it wasn't me that killed the man.
I never knew. ought about it till-till-"
AT this point his voice failed him, and
there followed a pause which was broken
by derisive laugh from one of the women
This expression of feeling gave the old
man courage to make another comment:
It'll what? Why don't you speak out like
a man, lad, If so you're as innocent as you
say?"
There was Immediately a confused mur-
muir of assent. spreading from the nearest
group to the stragglers who had streamed
up from behind
Piety was horyor stricken. Not only did
she begin to realize how strong the belief
in his guilt already was. but again the
hideous fear which had possessed her at