husband's mouth.

"And you were what, friend?" inquired Furness, anxiously.

"Worse than you, perhaps. And now, friend Furness, as you must be tired
with your long evidence, I wish you a good night."

"Shall I see you down at the Cat and Fiddle?"

"Not for some time, if ever, friend Furness, that you may depend upon."

"Never go to the Cat and Fiddle! A little wholesome drink drowns care,
my friend; and, therefore, although I should be sorry that you indulged
too much, yet, with me to look after you--"

"And drink half my ale, eh? No, no, friend Furness, those days are
gone."

"Well, you are not in a humour for it now but another time. Mrs
Rushbrook, have you a drop of small beer?"

"I have none to spare," replied Jane, turning away; "you should have
applied to the magistrates for beer."

"Oh, just as you please," replied the pedagogue; "it certainly does
ruffle people's temper when there is a verdict of wilful murder, and two
hundred pounds for apprehension and conviction of the offender. Good
night."

Furness banged the cottage door as he went out.

Rushbrook watched till he was out of hearing, and then said, "He's a
scoundrel."

"I think so too," replied Jane; "but never mind, we will go to bed now,
thank God for his mercies, and pray for his forgiveness. Come,
dearest."

The next morning Mrs Rushbrook was informed by the neighbours that the
schoolmaster had volunteered his evidence. Rushbrook's indignation was
excited, and he vowed revenge.

Whatever may have been the feelings of the community at the time of the
discovery of the murder, certain it is that, after all was over, there
was a strong sympathy expressed for Rushbrook and his wife, and the
condolence was very general. The gamekeeper was avoided, and his friend
Furness fell into great disrepute, after his voluntarily coming forward
and giving evidence against old and sworn friends. The consequence was,
his school fell off, and the pedagogue, whenever he could raise the
means, became more intemperate than ever.

One Saturday night, Rushbrook, who had resolved to pick a quarrel with
Furness, went down to the ale-house. Furness was half drunk, and
pot-valiant. Rushbrook taunted him so as to produce replies. One word
brought on another, till Furness challenged Rushbrook to come outside
and have it out. This was just what Rushbrook wished, and after half an
hour Furness was carried home beaten to a mummy, and unable to leave his
b