Northern Weekly Gazette. — 1902-05-24 (Stockton-on-Tees, Cleveland, England)

ROYA.L SUP LENT.  MAT 24, 1933  refused to explain this sudden resolution. All was ferment, as much fuss belng made an if the rector had been departing oil a journey of a thousand miles. He was, however, eventually driven to the station, and readied Worcester at an early hour in the forenoon.  It was now that Dr. Appleton eaw the foolishness of his position, and. being a matter-of-fact man, the light of day made the idea that any voice had- called him appear ridiculous. He did not know where to go or what to do in the town, and felt zather annoyed at hirneelf for leaving homt. But there appeared to be more than the, usual excitennvit and bustle in the town of Worcester that day; large numbers of people were moving along one of the principal streets. Without knowing why, Dr. Appleton walked in he same direction, until he came to the county buildings, where the assize court was sitting, and the trial of Walter Olitheroo preceding. The rector enterd the hall and took a seat well forward towards the front, and listened. As the story of Edward Mervyn's murder WU unfolded, it occurred to him that he had seen the prisoner before. The ease for the prosecution was concluded, and the counsel for the defence rose to address the jury, in the course of his speech he declared that the prieoner had failed to prove an alibi, because the only witness who could do so, the man who met Walter at the river side. could not be found; there was, therefore, practio ally no defence. When the counsel sat down, Dr Appleton rose up and made his way forward Tiiitjl he stood almost in front of the prisoner in the dock. This strange proceeding on his part caused every eye in court to be fixed upon him. When Walter saw the rector he started, stared at him for a few seconds, then exclaimed:  You are the man that waa fishing cn the rirec and Look shelter with me under the elm tree."  answered the rector.  A few questions from the judge, and Dr. Appleton was placed in the witness-box. He gave his version of their meeting and the conversation which took place regarding Carberry Towers and the Carberry family, which agreed exactly with the prisoner's deposition. Strange to.say, evidence of a till stronger nature was forthcoming; for the police had that very morning arrested a man who was attempting to pawn a gold watch and obain, which was at once recognised aa having Ix'longed to he deceased Edward _Mervyn. On being arrested and questioned he turned (4w-en's evidence, and accused the landlord of the Oak Tree Tavern of the crime. The result was that Walter's innocence was proven beyond a doubt, and he was discharged, the landlord of the Oak Tree ultimately suffering for the crime. When Dr Appleton and Walter were alone in the Ring's Arms Hotel the former explained to his young friend the extraordinary way in which he had been called to Worcester. Walter could hardly believe his ears, and yet he saw that the rooter was thoroughly in earnest.. "There are many things which happen that the mind of man is incapable of understanding, but, Mr Clitheroe, never scoff at anything that may seem to you supernatural, said the rector, obearving his companion's puzzled look. He ended with a warm invitation for Walter to accompany him to Li nslade Rectory. Walter's face brightened at the prospect of again seeing Constance, for he had already learned that Dr. Appleton was her father, and it is to be feared that he somewhat too eagerly accepted the rector's invitation. As they journeyed down together in the train Walter related his whole history to the rector, and when the latter heard of his meeting Conetance it was his turn to be surprised. But when Dr. Appleton., accompanied by Walter, entered the drawing room at Linslade Rectory, the amasement and joy of Constance almest baffles description. Constance soon regained her health and spirits, and, Walter having again won his uncle's favour, the two were married before the end of the year.