Year: 1878

dence, and he believed in due time the
explanation would appear"


"Such was the position of affairs when
the Stirling Castle arrived in the Thames.
Stevenson was taken before the magis-
trates and upon the evidence already
narrated, was formally committed for
trial, some of the principal passengers be-
ing bound over to appear when called
upon. will not attempt to describe the
parting between the lovers; it was hard to
bear; hard for Rose, although she was go
ing to comfortable home, surrounded by
friends; but how doubly hard for Steven
son, who was not only parted from his
hearts idol, but was going to felon's
cell with a stigma on his name. What
wonder that he was overcome, that his
courage failed him; that he fairly broke
down. But over this draw veil; man
hoods tears are terrible to see, and can
only flow from hearts agony"


'Ros too, was fearfully Frustrated and
almost heart broken; but like brave lit
tie woman as she was, she collected her
self, and knowing her lovers safety de
pended on her exertions, she set herself
firmly about the task. Now it happened
that Rose had godfather, with whom
she had been great favorite before she
went to India, This was DR.. Bailey, a
man of considerable repute in his pro
fession. As girl, Rose had always been
accustomed to take her little joys and
griefs to him, sure of a welcome No
wonder then that in this the sorest strait
Of her life, she should fly to her most
valued friend. She did so; and there, sit
ting at his feet, as mold and happ times,
she told him all-told of Stevenson's
nobleness and worth, OF his love for her,
and-blushing the while-of her love for
him. Then she spoke of the murder of
the old servant, and her voice trembled as
she told of the horror of that night; then
she passed on to speak of the suspicious
against Stevenson; not one fact did she
conceal; but her voice was no longer low
and trembling, but firm and indignant
that any should SO judge him. But how
quailed her heart when she looked up and
saw the grave and doubtful expression on
the good docter's face and when he re-
peated her words and reminded her of the
will, of Stevenson's presence in the cabin,
of the empty box found in his room, and
above all, of the writing by the General,
all pointing so conclusively to Stevenson,
she saw at once that he also believed her
lover guilty. For a moment her own
heart and her faith almost failed her, and
she too felt inclined to yield to the weight
of evidence. But shaking off the feeling
with a shudder, as though some noxious
reptile had touched her, she poured out
such a passionate flood of eloquence in
defence of her lover, that the doctor,
catching her enthusiasm, was compelled
to yield to her powerful conviction See
ing this, Rose fell on his breast, and in a
passionate burst Of tears, kissed him and
called him her good kind friend


when they were little calmer the
doctor said; Although we may believe
him innocent, yet our belief viii not save
him unless we can bring forth proof |
will come round and see my old friend,
the General.


'Alasr said Rose, that would be use
less. He remembers nothing. and evenif
he did, his evidence is strong against
Stevenson. But come by all means.


4 will. In the dim light Of the cabin
he may have been mistaken in his
man. .


''Rose shook her head, and yet even
this tiny ray of hope sent Il thrill through
her heart. My father may have been
mistaken, she whispered to herself, but
again H6I SplIilS Suuh WHtn slit T6I1Gln-
bered his condition.


"The next morning DR.. Bailey, true to
his word, called upon Rose, and brought
with him DR.. Smyth, a man who had
made all the phases Of insanity his special
study. After time they were shown
into the Generals room, and found him
sitting up, cheerfully playing with skein
of silk. A very few minutes served to
convince them that he was quite an
imbecile, and had no rational idea of what
was passing around him. But when DIR.
Smyth was told that this resulted from a
blow on the head, he evinced more in
terest in the matter, and asked to be
allowed to examine the scar. This he
did, and the examination was long and
careful. At length, calling DR.. Bailey to
one side, whispered conversation took
place between them.


'All this time Rose was very nervous
and anxious for the result. AT last her
|. god father, turning to her, said: My good
friend here thinks it just possible that
your fathers reason may be restored.
The fact is the blow on the head has
broken the skull, and owing to not very
skillful treatment when the wound was
healing, small piece of bone is left press
ing on the brain. If this were removed,
it is probable reason would be restored
OF course he continued, your father will
have to undergo an operation; but this is
not necessarily dangerous. will send
you some medicine and you must nurse
him very carefully for the next few days;
and then, if we think him strong enough,
it shall be done.


Rose heard all this, but it can scarcely
be said that she understood it, so far be-
yond her fondest hopes did it all appear;
so in sort Of half-dreamy manner she
bade them Good morning When, how
ever, she got to her own room, and
thought it over, and its full meaning
dawned upon her, she fell on her knees
and poured out her heart to God in thank
fulness for such possibility. Her dear
father to be restored to her What joy
Gus thought; and moreover there lurked
behind it another thought, if possible still
more joyous, that her father might be
able to say something to save that dear
one languishing in felon's cell. For the
time she was happy; how happy only
those can tell who have been suddenly
raised from the depths Of despair to the