Newton Edwards was commenced. Ever since his arrest
the young man had maintained a rigid silence, not deigning to notice the
detectives in any manner whatever. He partook of his breakfast in a
dazed, dreamy fashion, scarcely eating anything, and pushing back his
plate as though unable to force himself to partake of food. In his
satchel was discovered a roll of bank-bills, which on being counted was
found to contain a trifle over three thousand five hundred dollars.

Edwards gazed at this money with a greedy, frightened look, like a wild
beast at bay, but did not utter a word, as Robert placed it in a large
envelope and secured it about his person.

"Will you be kind enough to inform me," said Robert, when this was
completed, "how you come to have so much money about you?"

After a moment's hesitation, Edwards replied, doggedly:

"Yes, sir, I will. It is the proceeds of the sale of some property that
I owned in the west."

"Very well," replied Robert, finding it useless, at present, to attempt
to induce him to tell the truth. "You will have ample opportunity to
satisfy a court and jury upon that point in a very short time."

Nothing farther was said to him until the time arrived for departing,
and then the party, with their prisoner, walked into the village in
order to take the stage for the railroad station at Birmingham.

Before leaving Mr. Bascom's, however, Robert handsomely remunerated the
energetic constable for his valuable assistance, and after thanking him
warmly for his active and cordial aid in our behalf, requested his
company to the village.

As they approached the store, where the stage-coach was in waiting, they
found an unusual crowd awaiting their appearance. The news of the
robbery and arrest had by some means become known, and the eager faces
of nearly three score of curiosity-seekers greeted them upon their
arrival.

Old Jerry himself seemed to be impressed with an idea of additional
importance, as though he was about to be called upon to perform a noble
service of great responsibility to his country, in assisting to convey
such a distinguished company in his old coach. The farmers gathered in
little groups about the platform, and conversed in low tones, as they
furtively regarded with sentiments almost approaching a respectful awe,
the unwonted presence of the detectives and their charge. There was an
utter absence of the boisterous hilarity which had been manifested on
the preceding morni