"Why, man alive," he said, "don't you see how it is? Josephine's
the thief! I am as sure of it as that you and I are talking
together. This vile accusation against your mistress answers
another purpose besides the vindictive one --it is the very best
screen that the wretch could possibly set up to hide herself from
detection. It has stopped your mistress and you from moving in
the matter; it exhibits her in the false character of an honest
witness against a couple of criminals; it gives her time to
dispose of the goods, or to hide them, or to do anything she
likes with them. Stop! let me be quite sure that I know what the
lost things are. A pair of bracelets, three rings, and a lot of
lace pocket-handkerchiefs--is that what you said?"
"Yes, sir."
"Your mistress will describe them particularly, and I will take
the right steps the first thing to-morrow morning. Good-evening,
William, and keep up your spirits. It shan't be my fault if you
don't soon see the quadroon in the right place for her--at the
prisoner's bar."
With that farewell he went out.
The days passed, and I did not see him again until the period of
my remand had expired. On this occasion, when I once more
appeared before the justice, my mistress appeared with me. The
first sight of her absolutely startled me, she was so sadly
altered.
Pages:
455
456
457
458
459
460
461
462
463
464
465
466
467
468
469
470
471
472
473
474
475
476
477
478
479