He repeated this sentence at least half a dozen times, while the
gentlemen were issuing orders to the persons assembled for the
apprehension of the burglars, and some of the females of the family were
endeavouring to restore Grace to animation. At last Sir Thomas Purcel
turned suddenly round upon Abel Darley, and, in his stentorian tone,
bawled out, "And who are you?"

"The schoolmaster of Craythorpe, so please you, sir--that young woman's
father--and one whose heart is broken!"

So saying, he burst into tears; and his wail was very sad, like that of
an afflicted child. Presently there was a stir among the little crowd,
a murmur--and then two officers ushered in Joseph Huntley and his son.

He walked boldly up to the magistrate's table, and placed his hand upon
it, before he perceived his wife, to whom consciousness had not yet
returned. The moment he beheld her he started back, saying, "Whatever
charge you may have against me, gentlemen, you can have none against
that woman."

"Nor have we," replied Sir Thomas; "she is your accuser!"

The fine features of Joseph Huntley relaxed into an expression of scorn
and unbelief. "She appear against me! Not--not if I were to attempt to
murder her!" he answered firmly.

"Grace!" exclaimed her father joyfully, "here is the child Abel--he is
found!" and seizing the trembling boy, with evident exultation, led
him to her. The effect of this act of the poor simple-minded man was