Fitzgerald was
arrested, and afterwards acquitted, so I began to think that the
certificate had been lost, and my troubles were at an end. However, I
was always haunted by a dread that the sword was hanging over my head,
and would fall sooner or later. I was right, for two nights ago Roger
Moreland, who was an intimate friend of Whyte's, called on me, and
produced the marriage certificate, which he offered to sell to me for
five thousand pounds. In horror, I accused him of murdering Whyte,
which he denied at first, but afterwards acknowledged, stating that I
dare not betray him for my own sake. I was nearly mad with the horror I
was placed in, either to denounce my daughter as illegitimate or let a
murderer escape the penalty of his crime. At last I agreed to keep
silent, and handed him a cheque for five thousand pounds, receiving in
return the marriage certificate. I then made Moreland swear to leave
the colony, which he readily agreed to do, saying Melbourne was
dangerous. When he left I reflected upon the awfulness of my position,
and I had almost determined to commit suicide, but, thank God, I was
saved from that crime. I write this confession in order that after my
death the true story of the murder of Whyte may be known, and that any
one who may hereafter be accused of the murder may not be wrongfully
punished. I have no hopes of Moreland ever receiving the penalty of his
crime, as when this is opened all trace of him will, no doubt, be lost.
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