scaping the indignity of arrest,
and as soon as it was light enough for him to see, he asked for paper
and pencil. They were brought him, and a man stood over him while he
wrote. It proved to be a letter to his sisters enjoining them to believe
in his innocence, and wound up with what was very much like an attempt
at a will. Altogether, it looks as if he meditated suicide, and we have
been careful to take from him every possible means for his effecting his
release in this way, as well as set a strict though secret watch upon
him."

A slight noise took place behind the screen, which at any other time Mr.
Hickory would have been the first to notice and inquire into. As it was,
it had only the effect of unconsciously severing his train of thought
and starting him alertly to his feet.

"Well," said he, facing the District Attorney with cheerful vivacity,
"any orders?"

"No," responded Mr. Ferris. "A run down to Albany seems to be the best
thing for you at present. On your return we will consult again."

"Very well, sir. I shall not be absent more than two days, and, in the
meantime, you will let me know if any thing important occurs?" And,
handing over his new address, Hickory speedily took his leave.

"Well, Byrd, what do you think of him?"

For reply, Mr. Byrd stepped forth and took his stand before the District
Attorney.

"Has Coroner Tredwell informed you," said he, "that the superintendent
has left it to my discretion to interfere in this matter if I thought
that by so doing I could further the ends of justice?"

"Yes," was the language of the quick, short nod he received.

"Very well," continued the other, "you will pardon me, then, if I ask
you to convey to Mr. Hildreth the following message: That if he is
guiltless of this crime he need have no fear of the results of the
arrest to which he may be subjected; that a man has interested himself
in this matter who pledges his word not to rest till he has discovered
the guilty party and freed the innocent from suspicion."

"What!" cried Mr. Ferris, astonished at the severe but determined
bearing of the young man who, up to this time, he had only seen under
his lighter and more indifferent aspect. "You don't agree with this
fellow, then, in his conclusions regarding Mr. Hildreth?"

"No, sir. Hickory, as I judge, is an egotist. He discovered Mr. Hildreth
and brought him to the notice of the jury, therefore Mr. Hildreth is
guilty."

"And you?"

"I am open to