of the affair. I learned
from Andrews that Drysdale would visit his office that afternoon, as
there were some important matters requiring his attention. Drysdale had
told Andrews that he intended to put the office in the charge of a
deputy for a time, so as to enable him to go off to New Orleans on a
visit of several weeks, and he desired that Andrews should accompany
him. He little thought that the toils were closing around him so
rapidly, and that he should never start on his projected excursion.

Having decided to arrest him immediately, I went to the office of an old
friend of Mr. Bannatine, a lawyer, who drew up the necessary affidavit
upon which I proposed to apply for a warrant. I then called upon the
sheriff, and asked him to go before a justice of the peace with me,
while I swore to an affidavit for a warrant which I wished him to
execute.

"What is the warrant for?" asked the sheriff, as he walked along with
me.

"It is quite an important case," I replied, "and I have had the
affidavits drawn up by Mr. Wood, the lawyer, and you will see the charge
in a few minutes."

"All right," said the sheriff; "let us go to Squire Baker's."

Fortunately we found the justice alone, and having stated that I wished
to obtain a warrant, I handed him the affidavit which I had had
prepared. He carefully adjusted his glasses and began to read the paper,
but in a moment or two he gave a sudden start and dropped the document,
in utter amazement. He looked at me keenly and said:

"Do you mean to accuse Mr. Drysdale of murdering George Gordon?"

At this the sheriff was equally astonished, and he said:

"Oh! nonsense; it can't be possible. Why, do you know, my dear sir, that
he is one of the finest gentlemen, and one of the most honorable men in
Atkinson? Surely you are joking."

"No, I am not joking at all," I replied. "I knew, of course, that you
would be greatly surprised and shocked, but the proofs are too clear to
admit of any doubt. The matter has been carefully examined by Mr.
Bannatine, Mr. Gordon, and Mr. McGregor, and it is at their request that
I have come to get a warrant. However, I can soon convince you of his
guilt."

"Well, well, it is almost incredible," said Squire Baker, "but if Mr.
Bannatine and Mr. McGregor are convinced, I presume there must be strong
grounds for suspicion, for they are both very careful men. I certainly
hope, however, that it may prove to have been a mistake, and that Mr.
Drysdale