“I do not believe the thought of marrying her himself had yet occurred to him.” “May it please the court, Mr. Hungerford is not on trial,” interposed Mr. Darling, “and the examination seems to be taking a very wide range.” “What do you expect to prove by this witness, Mr. Lowe?” asked the magistrate. “Mr. Birch will presently testify that he was on the island with Mr. Buckstone, just before the murder; and I wish to show the purpose for which he was there,” replied Mr. Lowe. Dick’s face was slightly flushed at this reply; but he did not interrupt the proceedings. “This examination is simply to ascertain whether there is sufficient evidence to justify the holding of the prisoner in custody on the charge of murder,” continued the magistrate. “It seems to me this point has already been reached.” “May it please the court, there is no evidence, except the partial acknowledgments of the prisoner, which must be taken with great caution, that a murder has been committed. As this witness was on the island at the time of the murder, it is possible that he may have seen the deed done, or at least seen the body of the deceased after it was done. This witness has thus far been exceedingly reticent. It does not appear, though he knew what took place on the island, that he gave information of the murder that night, or even in the morning. I wish, therefore, to show his object in going upon The Great Bell with Buckstone. I wish the court to understand what the deceased was doing at the time he was killed. It can only be shown by this witness.” “Go on, Mr. Lowe.” While the government attorney was making this explanation, Dr. Bilks, unnoticed, had placed the paper he had written on the table before him, and on the top of his notes, so that he could not fail to see it. Mr. Lowe, as he resumed his seat, and glanced at his notes to discover where he had left off, saw the paper Dr. Bilks had placed there. He read it, and appeared to comprehend its meaning without explanation. “Mr. Birch, you do not believe Mr. Hungerford had yet thought of marrying the prisoner’s sister?” “I do not believe he had--of course I do not know.” “Mr. Birch, what are your relations in the Hungerford family?” Dick explained them. “Of course you are acquainted with Miss Julia Hungerford?” “I am;” but Dick blushed, as well he might, when Julia was dragged into the court. “What were your relations with her?” “I had no relations with her, except those of ordinary courtesy and friendship,” answered Dick, indignantly. “Did you correspond with her while she was in Europe?” “I did.” Mr. Darling objected very earnestly; but Mr. Lowe was able to show to the satisfaction of the thick-headed magistrate that his course of examination was absolutely essential to the prosecution. “Mr. Birch, has Miss Julia Hungerford any fortune?” “She has--twenty thousand dollars left her by her uncle.” “Has she any expectations, real or contingent?”