e
advertisements for information respecting your death, which it was
surmised had occurred abroad. Now you are unknown here,--without a
single acquaintance to recognize or remember you; why should not you,
under another name, come forward with these proofs? By so doing, you
secure your own escape and can claim the reward."

"What! perjure myself that I may forfeit my inheritance!"

"As to the inheritance," said he, sneeringly, "your tenure does not
promise a very long enjoyment of it."

"Were it but a day,--an hour!" exclaimed I, passionately; "I will make
no compromise with my honor. On their own heads be it who sentence an
innocent man to death; better such, even on a scaffold, than a life of
ignominy and vain regret."

"The dark hours of a jail change men's sentiments wonderfully," said
he, slowly. "I have known some who faced death in its wildest and most
appalling shape, shrink from it like cowards when it came in the guise
of a common executioner. Come, sir, be advised by me; reflect at least
on what I have said, and if there be any path in life where a moderate
sum may assist you--"

"Peace, sir! I beg of you to be silent. It may be that your counsel is
prompted by kindly feeling towards me; but if you would have me think
so, say no more of this,--my mind is made up."

"Wait until to-morrow, in any case; perhaps some other plan may suggest
itself. What say you to America? Have you any objection to go there?"

"Had you asked me the question an hour since, I had replied, 'None
whatever.' Now it is different; my departure would be like the flight of
a guilty man. I cannot do it."

"Better the flight than the fate of one," muttered Basset between his
teeth, while at the same instant the sound of voices talking loudly
together was heard in the hall without.

"Think again, before it is too late. Remember what I have told you. Your
opinions, your career, your associates, are not such as to recommend you
to the favorable consideration of a jury. Is your case strong enough to
oppose all these? Sir Montague will make liberal terms; he has no desire
to expose the calamities of a family."

"Sir Montague!--of whom do you speak?"

"Sir Montague Crofts," said Basset, reddening, for he had unwittingly
suffered the name to escape his lips. "Are you ignorant that he is
your relative? a distant one, it is true, but your nearest of kin
notwithstanding."

"And the heir to the estate?" said I, suddenly, as anew light fl