gh to go upon. Our case is very strong. We
must lose no time. The first step to be taken will be to procure an
order to have the lady examined by physicians competent to form a
judgment, and make a report upon her condition. Their report must go up
to the governor, with the petition for her pardon. And now, Mr. Berners,
if you will go home and seek the rest you need, and leave this business
in my hands, I will set about it immediately," said Ishmael Worth,
kindly.

"Thank you! I thank you from my soul! I will confidently leave her fate
in your hand. I know I could not leave it in any better under heaven!
But, tell me, when shall I see you again?"

"To-morrow morning, after your visit to the prison, you can call here if
you please, and I shall be able to report some progress," said Mr.
Worth, rising from his chair.

Lyon Berners then shook hands with him, and left the room.

Not to go home and rest, as he had been advised; there was no rest for
Sybil's husband; there could be none now; he went to wander around and
around her prison walls until the day declined and the sky darkened, and
then indeed he turned his steps homeward, walking all the way to Black
Hall, because in his mental excitement he could not sit still in
carriage or saddle. There he passed the night in sleeplessness and
horror. Imagination, favored by the darkness, the stillness, and the
loneliness of the scene, conjured up all the ghastly spectres of the
future, impending tragedies, and nearly drove him into frenzy. He
started up from his bed and walked out into the summer night under the
shining stars, and wandered up and down the wooded banks of the river
until morning.

Then he returned to the house, and after a hasty breakfast, which for
him consisted only of a cup of very strong coffee, he set out for
Blackville.

He reached the prison before its doors were open to visitors, and he
waited until he could be admitted. He found Sybil placid, peaceful, and
unconscious of imprisonment and deadly peril of her life, as she had
ever been. He spent an hour with her, and then he went to the hotel to
see Mr. Worth.

He found the young lawyer in good spirits.

"I have made much progress, Mr. Berners. I succeeded in procuring the
order for the medical examination. It is appointed for to-morrow at ten
o'clock. Dr. Bright, Dr. Hart, and Dr. Wiseman are the physicians
authorized to make it. They have all been notified, and are to meet at
the prison at the