On account of his mental condition he can never tell us what became of his little fortune; but luckily the returns from the farm, which we rent on shares, and my own salary as teacher of the district school, enable us to live quite comfortably, although we must be economical." "Why, it's really a romance!" cried Patsy, who had listened eagerly.
"There are many romances in real life," added Beth, in her undemonstrative way.
Louise said nothing, but her heart was throbbing with excitement engendered by the tale, which so strongly corroborated the suspicions she had begun to entertain.

When Ethel had gone home Louise still deliberated upon this fascinating mystery, and her resolve grew to force some sort of an explanation from the smiling lips of Old Hucks.

For the sole available witness of that fatal night's tragedy, when one strong man died and another was driven mad, was Thomas Hucks.

The old servitor was also in a position to know much of the causes leading up to the catastrophe, he having been the confidential retainer of Captain Wegg for many years.

Hucks must speak; but the girl was wise enough to realize that he would not do so unless urged by coaxing or forced by strategy.