in private life
they may be 'lovers of mercy,' yet, where the general good is so deeply
involved, they are determined to 'deal justly' with the prisoner."

The judge then gave his charge to the jury, which was thought to lean
rather to the side of the prisoner, though he agreed with Mr. G----,
that some sharp rebuke should be given to the practice, so common among
the young men in some of our colleges, of carrying about with them
offensive weapons.

The prisoner was led back to the jail; the jury retired; and it being
now evening, the court room was deserted.

XIX.

The Sealed Paper.

"Sister, thy brother is won by thee."--MRS. HEMANS.

The verdict would not be made known till the next morning. Oh! what a
night of mental torture was that to the devoted sister of the prisoner!
The terrible suspense left it out of her power to remain quiet for a
moment, but she restlessly paced the room, watching for the dawn of day,
and yet dreading the signs of its approach. Her aunt, who remained with
her during that anxious night, endeavored as well as she could to soothe
and calm her excited feelings; but how little there was to be said; she
could only point her to the Christian's never-failing trust and
confidence; and it was only by constant supplications for strength from
on high, as she walked the room, that Agnes was enabled to retain the
slightest appearance of composure, or, as it seemed to her, to keep her
brain from bursting.

The longest night will have an end, and morning at length dawned on the
weary eyes of the watchers. The family rose and breakfasted early, for
an intense excitement reigned throughout the house. Agnes begged to be
allowed to remain in her own room; and though, in compliance with the
entreaties of her friends, she endeavored to eat, she could not swallow
a morsel. Mr. Wharton came early; and soon after breakfast, he and Dr.
Rodney went out. At nine o'clock the court were to assemble, to hear the
verdict; and from that moment, Agnes seated herself at the window, with
her hands pressed on her aching forehead, and her eyes straining to
catch the first glimpse of them as they returned.

She sat thus for an hour or more at the window, and at the end of that
time the crowds began to pass the house, and she soon caught sight of
Dr. Rodney and her uncle. They did not hasten as if they had joyful
news to tell, and as Agnes in her agitation rose as they approached the
gate, and watched their