"Mother, don't be alarmed.

Brooks has simply been arrested." "For the murder of Colton!" Witherspoon hoarsely whispered.

His voice had failed him.
"Sit down, mother, and we will talk quietly about it.

There is no cause for excitement when you make up your minds that the fellow is guilty, which you must do, for Mrs.Colton has made a statement--she saw Brooks kill the old man." Witherspoon dropped in his chair.

His hands hung listlessly beside him.