ed to and fro it was in marked contrast to the usual
way in which they were wont to assemble within the great walls of
Haddon. No loud laugh or sound of boisterous merriment broke the
stillness of this solemn eventide; no tricks were attempted now upon
unconscious friends, and even the almost invariable little groups of
admirers listening to the marvellously strange tales of those who
had crossed the seas were not to be found. All was silent save the
screeching of the owls every now and again, and the subdued hum
of conversation which rose up from the awestruck assembly as they
patiently awaited the test which was to bring home the guilt of the
murderer.

They had a long time to wait, and the moon had long been out before
the proceedings were properly commenced.

A loud blast from the trumpets of the sentries gave the first
intimation of the approach of the head of the house of Vernon. The
great gates swung open and Sir George slowly advanced through the
throng, which respectfully fell back on either side and made an open
passage for him. A few yards behind followed a bare-headed priest,
chanting prayers for the departed, and heading a diminutive
procession, in the midst of which the body of the unfortunate pedlar
was carried on a bier. They stopped at the foot of the steps which
stretch across the courtyard; the doleful chant ceased, and an
impressive hush fell upon the assembly, as with bated breath they
awaited the next scene in the awful drama.

Sir George did not hurry himself, for it was necessary to the success
of the ordeal that the culprit, whoever that was, should be duly
impressed with a sense befitting the character of the moment, and a
little suspense, he shrewdly guessed, would tend to make the guilty
one tremble and offer signs which would make detection the easier.

At last he spoke.

"Mary Durden, Joel Cobbe, Henry Bridge, and Nathan Grene, step out,"
he said, "take the oath; touch the body in our presence, and prove
your innocence if you are able."

Every whisper was smothered into silence as they watched to see the
individuals named perform the test. No one stirred, however, and the
order had to be repeated.

"Mary Burden, Joel Cobbe, Henry Bridge, and Nathan Grene," thundered
the baron, "I command you to answer to your names, or by your silence
shall you be condemned."

Joel Cobbe and Henry Bridge, two of the most disreputable men in the
whole district, went forward in company, and succeed