occupy. A waiter of the house testifies that he saw him go there; that he saw him ten minutes afterwards descending the stairs, dressed in a particular coat; that he saw him come into the bar-room half an hour after, having on the same coat; and on the cross-examination, that he could not be mistaken, that he knew him perfectly well. Mr. Robert Shank testifies that he saw a man having on such a coat, which was shown to the witness, present a check for six hundred and twenty-five dollars, at the very hour testified to by the banker. The cashier and the teller of the bank testify to his identity and the presentation and payment of the check. The partners of the firm, whose firm name is attached to the check, have all seen the same in open court, and testified that it is a forgery. Their book-keeper has testified to the same. The defence amounts to just nothing at all. Not one allegation of Melville's can he sustain by proof. He acknowledges that he went to his room, in the hotel. He also says that he sat down and wrote a long letter, which he finished just as the waiter called to get his valise, at the hour for the departure of the train going east; that he took the train, and went directly to Aurora; that he was never in the O- Bank in his life."

"But, father, George says the whole affair is a conspiracy to ruin him, and that he believes James Mordaunt is at the bottom of it."

"He must prove it, Bell.”

"Everything appears to be dark now; but the time will come when there will be sunlight, father."

"It may, Bell; but not for George Melville. His race among men of integrity is run."

A waiter entered with a letter. It was for Bell.

W

9 A.M.

MY DEAR FRIEND BELL:

The jury have rendered their verdict. I. is against George. The sun, even under this cloud, begins to shine. The witness, Robert Shank, George has recognized as the robber whom he shot in the woods several years since. I have also recognized him. This will be our clue to the truth yet. Keep this to yourself, Bell. In great haste,

THOMAS F. GRISWOLD.

When Bell had finished reading her note, she immediately tore it into a hundred pieces.

"What is that for, Bell?" said her father. "Is it not from Mr. Griswold?"

"It is, and announces the verdict."

"What is it?"

"Guilty, sir; and would to Heaven I might go and share his fortunes in a prison.'

But Bell Mortimer little knew the real effect upon her health which the last few months of anguish, anxiety and excitement, had produced. Two hours from that moment, her father bent over the form of his beautiful daughter, prostrated upon a bed of sickness. A raging fever attacked the lovely girl, and brought her within a short step of the grave. Then it was the father's turn to suffer. His anxiety for his daughter's life was only equalled by his exertions to save her. Mrs. Mortimer was immediately sent for. Three weeks after, when Bell again walked her room, a mere skeleton of her former self, and could once more gaze into her father's eye with the old smile of affection, and faintly thank him for all his kindness, then he resolved never again to speak to

her, even what he felt to be just, if it was against George Melville. He resolved also to know the truth, if James Mordaunt had really planned Melville's destruction. If such was the fact, his daughter's sufferings lay at James Mordaunt's door. Mr. Mortimer was a man of the world, filled with the world's ambition; but he was also a kind man at heart, and when aroused to accomplish a purpose, few could do more, or commit less errors of judg

ment.

Thomas Griswold had obtained a stay of proceedings, which procrastinated the final sentence of his friend for a few weeks. He did not shake the verdict. As the reader has already learned, George Melville was sentenced to prison for a term of fiveyears.

XXXIV.

Mr. M- -1, Chief of the New York Police, puts his Private Seal upon a Coffin in Greenwood Cemetery.

"GOOD bye, Bell! I must be in New York next week. You will not hear from me until that time." "Good bye, father. Always love your Bell; will you not, dear father?"

A tear glistened in Mr. Mortimer's eye, as he gave his horses the word to start. Had Bell Mortimer, at that instant been able to look into the depths of her father's heart, she might have seen a resolution in her behalf which would have brought back her smiles; but, Mr. Mortimer had learned the benefit of silence, until he could speak of results. He had now been but a few days at home. He had remained only until he could be certain that his daughter's health was established. His journey was solely on her account. At eleven o'clock, the following morning, he was at the office of J. S. Taylor, Esq., in New York.

"Good morning, sir," said Mr. Taylor, as he recognized the person of his distinguished visitor. I have not the pleasure of your acquaintance; but, I believe I address the Hon. B. F. Mortimer."

"And this, I presume, is Counsellor Taylor whose

name has been for a long time familiar to me?" replied Mr. Mortimer. "Mr. Taylor, I have a matter of a business nature for your ear. Can we employ

a few hours together, to-day?"

"Certainly, sir," replied Mr. Taylor. "We shall be less liable to interruption in my private office."

"Mr. Taylor, you have, doubtless, learned from Mr. Griswold the particulars of George Melville's trial, conviction and sentence; also, the suspicions which are entertained against James Mordaunt." "I have, sir."

"Very well. I have learned from my son a general outline of what you have against Mordaunt. Whether guilt or innocence attaches to Mr. Mordaunt, is my present object. When will you try the action instituted in behalf of Mary Wilcox?"

"Mordaunt has postponed the trial twice; it may not reach a hearing under six months. I do not think he can postpone it again, however."

"Very well. I have six months to work in, then."

"How so? Will I have your assistance in this difficult and perplexing matter?"

"As a client, you will, Mr. Taylor. I am interested in the case, by several circumstances, and desire to learn, more particularly, all the grounds you have obtained upon which to found a hypothesis of suc

"Mr. Taylor at once opened the whole case to Mr. Mortimer. He had learned but little more, however, to assist him. He relied, in a great measure, upon his unknown correspondent."

Mr. Mortimer made some minutes of the principal