not a thing of accident; a thing for the
world to point at in scorn, not an abandoned child of shame. No, he felt
nerved at once by this singular, this almost miraculous discovery, and
could hardly restrain his impatience. Yet a shadow for a moment crossed
over his brow, as he thought of that brother, who could coldly look on
and see him sacrificed, knowing what he must and surely did know. Could
he have permitted such a result, had he been in Robert's place? Indeed,
he felt he could not.

"Does not my brother know that you are here on this errand, Leonard?"

"If he did it would cost me my life," said the honest fellow.

Charles would have placed some favorable construction upon the case,
but, alas, he could not; there was no possible way of disguising the
matter. Robert was the same bitter, jealous-spirited soul that had
rendered his childhood miserable. Time had not improved him,--it was his
nature and could not be eradicated. Charles now realized this, and
within a few further inquiries of Leonard, touching matters of vital
interest to him, he resolved not to seek Robert, as he had at the outset
intended, neither would he avoid him. He knew no other person save him
could bring a continuance of the suit against him, but he hardly feared
that even he would do that.

"Of course Helen Huntington knows nothing of this development yet,
Leonard?"

"No, sir, and master Robert bid me be careful not to let her find it
out, or to say one word about the matter to any one whatever. I wonder
the lady didn't know you, sir."

"You forget that even Robert did not recognize me."

"And that, too, seemed funny to me. Why, sir, I seemed to know you the
instant I set eyes on you in the court, and when I got close I soon
settled the doubt in my mind."

"Well, my good fellow, it seems that but for you I might have been
hanged, and that, too, by my own bother; but I trust all is set right
now."

"I hope so, sir, only you must not let master Robert know that I
liberated you from these ruffles, sir, will you, master Charles?"

"Never fear me, Leonard, I shall not do as you were about to do towards
me, give testimony that will in any way criminate you."

"But I wasn't, sir, of my own free will, only master Robert had told me
what I must say, and stick to it, and swear to it through thick and
thin, and I'm afraid not to obey him."

"Poor fellow, I see you are, indeed, his tool; but if I find myself in
any sort of a position ere l