d it specially to be placed on his deposition that he
made his confession not from any regret at having killed Mulready, but
simply to oblige Mary Powlett, whose heart was bent upon your innocence
being proved. He signed the deposition in the presence of Thompson,
myself, and Bill Swinton."

"And you think it is true, doctor, you really think it is true? It is
not like Luke's attempt to save me?"

"I am certain it is true, Ned. The man was dying, and there was no
mistake about his earnestness. There is not a shadow of doubt. I sent
Swinton back in the gig with Thompson and stayed with the man till half
past two. He was unconscious then. He may linger a few hours, but will
not live out the day, and there is little chance of his again recovering
consciousness. Thompson will today send a copy of the deposition to the
home secretary, with a request that it may be made public through the
newspapers. It will appear in all the Yorkshire papers next Saturday,
and all the world will know that you are innocent."

"What will my mother say?" Ned exclaimed, turning pale again.

"I don't know what she will say, my lad, but I know what she ought to
say. I am going round to Thompson's now for a copy of the deposition,
and will bring it for her to see. Thompson will read it aloud at the
meeting of the court today, so by this afternoon every one will know
that you are cleared."

Abijah's joy when she heard that Ned's innocence was proved was no less
than that of his brother and sister. She would have rushed upstairs at
once to tell the news to her mistress, but Ned persuaded her not to do
so until the doctor's return.

"Then he will have to be quick," Abijah said, "for if the mistress' bell
rings, and I have to go up before he comes, I shall never be able
to keep it to myself. She will see it in my face that something has
happened. If the bell rings, Miss Lucy, you must go up, and if she asks
for me, say that I am particular busy, and will be up in a few minutes."

The bell, however, did not ring before the doctor's return. After a
short consultation between him and Ned, Abijah was called in.

"Mr. Sankey agrees with me, Abijah, that you had better break the news.
Your mistress is more accustomed to you than to any one else, and you
understand her ways. Here is the deposition. I shall wait below here
till you come down. There is no saying how she will take it. Be sure you
break the news gently."

Abijah went upstairs with a hes