Having done this, the detective took the former to the
little wood, and, after a little searching, found the concealed box,
which held the incriminating papers as well as the original treasure.
But for Coristine's fatal shot, these would have been carried away. On
their return, Doctor Halbert said, after consulting Mr. Bang's paper:
"He took his life the very hour Matilda exclaimed 'Free at last.' The
neighbourhood and the whole country may breathe more freely now that he
is gone. Your poor friend upstairs, John, has not died in vain."
"But he's not dead, Halbert!" almost sobbed the Squire.
"Not yet," replied the doctor, gravely.
Coristine had survived the thunderstorm and the finding of Rawdon's
remains; and, now that all sympathy in the latter was forfeited, many a
one would gladly have gone to the sinking man who fired the shot to tell
him, in his own vernacular, that Grinstuns had ceased from troubling.
But few dared intrude upon the stillness of his chamber, from the door
of which Marjorie had to be carried bodily away. The villain dead, the
treasure and papers recovered, Matilda Nagle in her right mind,
confidence was restored in Bridesdale, and only one absorbing thought
filled all minds.
Pages:
718
719
720
721
722
723
724
725
726
727
728
729
730
731
732
733
734
735
736
737
738
739
740
741
742