Lincoln County leader. [volume] (Toledo, Lincoln County, Or.) 1893-1987, 1904-09-02
CHAPTER XIX.

1865 ohN oNAAA "a ~ NA~
two policemen who had brought me over.
Ever since my arrival at the house L
had been looking eagerly for some sign
of Madeline Graham; but she had not
appeared. While l sat apart, however,
George Redruth entered the room, and
after glancing at me, addressed me:
'This is bad business, T~relawney," he
said, looking very pale and agitated.
"Let me tell you, however," he contin-
ned, that ugly as the evidence looks
against you, | hope that you'll succeed in
proving our innocence at the trial. |
haven't much cause to love you, and poor
johnson had still less; but upon my word,
j believe you incapable of such a crime
as this"
THANK you, sir" 1 replied, trembling,
for l could have borne his anger or in
difference better than his sympathy.
"YOu at least do me that justicel'
He nodded assent, and was about to
say something more when there was the
rustic of a dress behind him, and with a
quick start, and a sharp pain at the
heart, l saw Madeline standing in the
room. The sight Of her was almost more
Than I could bear; 7 shook like 4 leaf,
and my eyes filed with tears. The mex
moment she stepped forward with an
eager cry of recognition, and both hands
putstretching. Then, seeing that l was
handcuffed, she uttered another cry-of
grief and pain.
"Madeline!" cried her cousin, warning
Iy; but she paid no attention. 1 had
turned my head away, too ashamed to
meet her gaze, but l felt, rather than
saw, that she was gazing tenderly into
my face.
When she spoke, her voice was broken
and fearful.
Mr.. Trelawney, may I speak to you?
May l tell you how my heart aches and
bleeds for you, in your great trouble i?
May | assure you how deeply l believe
as all who know you must believe-in
your innocence of such a crime Z"
| 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 that!" l
murmured; and as l spokfe, she lifted
my two bound hands and held them gent
ly in her own.
81 could not believe that any one
would think 1t possible" she said. 81
would have come before, but waited, ex-
pecting to see you set at liberty. But
now | hear you are to be put upon your
trial! All, do not fear! Have c~ourage!
Your innocence will be proved, and you
will soon be a free man."
Perhaps" l answered; "but whether
or not, it is something to know that my
Innocence is believed in by you'll"
How could l doubt itP Dear Mr..
Trelawney, l know you better even than
you know yourself. No proof, however
whom l know to be the bravest and best
of men; one who is incapable of any base
ness; one to whom, remember, l owe my
life"
Don't mind me, Miss Graham. 1
shall come through this trouble right
enough, perhaps; and, whatever happens,
shan't forget your goodness. l cared
for no ones good opinion but yours. I'm
not the first innocent man, by many, who
has had to face an unjust accusation,
and answer it with his life; and what
you have said to me will give me courage,
perhaps, to bear the sorrow that's to
come"
Before I realized what she was doing
she had taken my hands again, had rails
ed them to her lips and kissed them.
Don't! don't" l cried, half sobbing.
81 can't bear it! Here, lads, take me
away"
use him kindly" she cried, weeping,
and addressing the officers. "Remem-
Der, he is a gentleman, and falsely &C
cused."
Don't be afraid, my lady," said the
man who had previously spoken. We'll
look after him"
"And Mr.. Trelawney-dear friend
do not think that, though we part now,
1 shall be idle. | I'm rich, remember,
and whatever money can do for your de-
Tense shall be done by me. 1t is a poor
return, indeed, for the life you gave me!
Keep a good heart! Think that you have
friends working for you, praying for
you'll Think that the happy time will
hoon come when you will be free again
to return to those you love, who love you,
and who will love you the better for o
trouble bravely borne!'
In the rapture of that m I could
nave caught her In my arms, but l was
helpless, and perhaps 1t was better so,
Gently, but firmly, the officers led MI
from the room, and along the passage tc
the door, where the dog-cart was wait.
Ing. There was a crowd about the door
steps, and when 1 appeared there was
"a sympathetic murmur.
Our way back lay past the old cot
tage. Quitting the gates of the grea,
house. and leaving the dark avenue be
hind US, we ratified swiftly along tn,
country road. The horse, being home
ward bound, whirled us along at full
speed. AS we approached the dear ole
cottage, / craned my neck round to lool
at 1t; the next moment we dashed pas
At; blu In that m 1 caught tn,
glimpse Of a CHASTITY white face lookin,
out Of one Of the lower windows.
1t was the face of my uncle, John Pen
dragon! AS We passed, he seemed t,
give a wild start of recognition.