The Argosy — page 397: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

376 The Village Blacksmith. accused for trial without hesitation. As Mr. Jones has also asked for a remand, I trust the bench will grant my request. I have only to add that since Mark Brown endeavoured to escape last night, I hope he will not be admitted to bail.” There was a buzz of excitement in the Court as Mr. Deedes sat down; a buzz which was speedily quelled by a cry of ‘‘ Silence.” Mark Brown had turned so pale and trembled so that he had to be accommodated with a chair; Mrs. Ryot-Tempest was evidently also much moved, for she had seen that the bearer of the note to Mr. Deedes was Mary, the Rectory parlour-maid; and she had a very shrewd idea of its contents, guessing as she did that it came either from her husband or Mrs. Canter, whom she knew to be with him. Mr. Jones looked furious as he felt; Freeman chuckled audibly, though he had no idea what the news was; and the rest of the spectators were moved by an intense curiosity, which was however not destined to be gratified. Captain Raleigh and Captain Tempest were as much amazed as everyone else, but their astonishment was only increased when Mr. Deedes handed them the letter he had just read. It was from Mrs. Canter, and was brief and to the point. ‘Get a remand ; I have found the diamonds. *“ NORAH CANTER,” ‘¢ Norah is humbugging Deedes; she had no more notion where the diamonds were a quarter-of-an-hour ago than you or J,” whispered Captain Tempest to Raleigh. *©T don’t think so; she dare not.” * Dare not? My dear fellow, you don’t know Norah; she dare do a great deal more than becomes a man or a woman either.” ‘* Perhaps ; but I have an idea this is not a hoax; I believe Norah is right. Our friend over there,” nodding at Mrs. Ryot-Tempest, ‘“‘is quite capable of having the diamonds and yet seeing Vera accused of stealing them.” Here the conversation was interrupted by the presiding magistrate, who informed the Court that the case would be remanded for a week and that Mark Brown would not be admitted to bail. Free- man, however, would, if he could find sureties. Captain Raleigh then volunteered to find bail for Freeman, and Mark Brown was removed in custody. ‘The spectators withdrew, breaking up into groups outside, where they discussed the new turn the case had taken. And Reuben Foreman went straight to the Rectory to inform Mrs, Canter of the decision, quite unconscious that she was the authoress of the letter which had so altered the course of action pursued by Mr. Deedes. (To be concluded. ) Gomicbooks (@)