The Yale expositor., 1909-05-14
Tragedy of the Brook
CIJ By ID. F. Herbert Hsley IL-l


| In his confusion, to tell this story In
order to shield another person In an
affair wholly unconnected with this
terrible tragedy. Even now that he
knows why they asked him to account
for his movements last night and that
II he does not tell the truth he will
be charged with killing the girl he
loved, he remains loyal to that other.
He will not speak, though to do SO
would free him at once. For to relate
truthfully his movements between
seven o'clock and ten last evening
would be to betray one who Is already
miserable enough and add to her weak
shoulders a burden too great to be
borne. Oh, he is kind, noble, that
young man! He shall not suffer IL
can help it. Doctor, have money. l
have a great deal more than ever can
make use of. Accept this case, accept
1t blindly, do not ask me questions,
for l cannot answer them; trust me,
trust me as gentleman trusts gen.
tlewoman, prove this youth innocent,
as you with your brilliant intellect and
your wonderful science of psychology
can do so easily. just prove him inno-
cent, that is all / ask, whether or not
the real criminal is found, and all
have will be too small a price to put
upon the service to me-" She arose
in excitement as she finished and held
her clasped hands appealingly toward
him.
But" the doctor objected, how can
l prove him innocent without finding
the real criminal"
'Oh, find them, then; flnd him, doc
tor; you must! II that young man
should tell where he was last night 1t
7 would ruin me, spoil my life; there
would be nothing left for me but the
grave. And he will speak. 1t is not in
nature for him to make so great sac
rifice, he will speak unless you can
clear him"
do not agitate yourself" the doc
tor said. gently. Calm your mind
and consider the matter on two or
| three of its collateral sides. For ex-
ample, you wish your identity to re-
main unknown. yet it will be neces-
wish, to hypnotize this young man.
Pickett, who is now in Jail, and get his
story. Then your name will be di-
vulged-"
"Oh, no-no-no!" she cried, again
starting up. 'You must not ask him
that! implore you"
Second" he went on, evenly, at is
al, g.
exaggerating the Importance of your
trouble. A woman. or any person, un-
accustomed to the peculiarities and
amenities of the law, is very likely to
| find cause for fear when there is
nome"
But, DOCTOR" she burst forth, this
is not a mere fear. it is fact Why
will you not trust me? | am aware
that the circumstances are peculiar
and that / am asking almost an i'm
possibility when l come to you, per-
feet stranger, in this way, and request
both your trust and assistance, espe-
cially in matter so grave and peril
Gus. But, God help me! l have my
reasons! There is nobody else to
whom l can appeal You alone have
| the power to save me, to save that
| young man. Doctor, you will do It; oh,
say you will. say 1t! If only you
knew, IL only you knew!"
She wrung her hands and burst into
a passion of weeping.
did you ever hear of this Miss Pat
rick before?" he asked.
She raised her head quickly and
looked at him through tears.
"Oh. knew her well," she sobbed.
"She was coming to me tomorrow to
accompany me abroad as maid. 1t
was through her that l became ac-
quainted with Henry Pickett, who
called at my house several times with
her when she came to talk over her
engagement with me. II was she who
told me that he would do what |
wanted done. l understood that they
were to be married some time. Now,
the papers say that she Tilted him. II
may be so. but it must have. been
: within a very few days"
This is the first time have heard
Of her intention of leaving the Bry-
ants. where she has been six months,
according to the press" said DR.. Fur.
nivall. Indeed, Mrs. Bryant tells the
police that the girl was perfectly sat.
isfied there, and that In turn they
liked her. IL is strange that she did
not know OF the girls proposed
change, to take place so soon. too"
Sadie was afraid OF somebody.
don't know whom. but she had great
dread OF some person, and wished to
keep her whereabouts a secret. She
intimated this to me, and promised to
tell rue all about IT, had every con
fidence In her. for | had known hei
for two or three years. had seen her
at the homes OF my friends where she
was employed, and they all gave her q
splendid character. thought myself
fortunate to be able to procure SC
faithful and competent a girl. But
do not understand why she should not
notify Mrs. Bryant of her comine
change. That was not honorable. and