nk it, I'd have the
whole parish of West Lynne before me to-day, and commit them for trial."

"It's a pity but what you could," said Mr. Carlyle.

"Well, it may be, or it may not be, that that villain is coming here,"
he resumed. "I shall call in at the police station, and tell them to
keep a sharp lookout."

"You will do nothing of the sort justice," exclaimed Mr. Carlyle, almost
in agitation. "Richard is not likely to make his appearance at West
Lynne; but if he did, would you, his own father, turn the flood upon
him? Not a man living but would cry shame upon you."

"I took an oath I'd do it," said the justice.

"You did not take an oath to go open-mouthed to the police station, upon
the receipt of any despicable anonymous letter or any foolish report,
to say, 'I have news that my son will be here to-day; look after him.'
Nonsense, justice! Let the police look out for themselves, but don't
_you_ set them on."

The justice growled, whether in assent or dissent did not appear, and
Mr. Carlyle resumed,--

"Have you shown this letter to Mrs. Hare, or mentioned it to her?"

"Not I. I didn't give myself time. I had gone down to the front gate,
to see how deep the snow lay in the road, when the postman came up; so
I read it as I stood there. I went in for my coat and umbrella, to come
off to you, and Mrs. Hare wanted to know where I was going in such a
hurry, but I did not satisfy her."

"I am truly glad to hear it," said Mr. Carlyle. "Such information as
this could not fail to have a dangerous effect upon Mrs. Hare. Do not
suffer a hint of it to escape you justice; consider how much anxiety she
has already suffered."

"It's partly her own fault. Why can't she drive the ill-doing boy from
her mind?"

"If she could," said Mr. Carlyle, "she would be acting against human
nature. There is one phase of the question which you may possibly not
have glanced at, justice. You speak of delivering your son up to the
law; has it ever struck you that you would be delivering up at the same
time your wife's life?"

"Stuff!" said the justice.

"You would find it no 'stuff.' So sure as Richard gets brought to trial,
whether through your means, or through any other, so sure will it kill
your wife."

Mr. Hare took up the letter, which had lain open on the table, folded
it, and put it in its envelope.

"I suppose you don't know the writing?" he asked of Mr. Carlyle.

"I never saw it before, that I remember. Are you returning