The evidence was all heard, and the jury began to consider their verdict. The body was that of Eliot Buckstone; he had been killed by Ross Kingman. So far they had no doubt. One of the six men suggested that the verdict should include the name of Richard Birch, who aided and abetted in the murder. The others would not agree to it; the evidence did not justify such a verdict. Birch might be an accessory after the fact, for he must have aided in mutilating and concealing the body. Another intimated that Birch had gone over to the island, and induced Buckstone to meet Ross Kinsman, believing that he would murder him. Birch left the hall before the verdict was made up, confident that he should be arrested within a few hours. CHAPTER XX. THE SHADOW AT PINE HILL. Eugene Hungerford went to the office of Dr. Bilks when he left the town hall. Even the tremendous assaults made there upon his faith in Dick Birch had not shaken the citadel. The testimony of his friend in regard to the letter was suggestive to him, and he determined to act without delay. The look and the start of Dr. Bilks had not escaped his notice. Dr. Bilks’s office was not closed; for he kept a boy to take care of his rooms, run of errands, and receive messages during his absence. Eugene walked in, went to the desk, and taking a half quire of paper from a shelf, proceeded to write a note to Julia; not that he had anything to say to her, but simply for the purpose of obtaining a sheet of the paper for future use. While he was thus engaged, Dr. Bilks, who had left the town hall a moment later, entered the office. “Ah, Mr. Hungerford!” exclaimed the doctor. “How do you do, doctor? I have taken the liberty to use your desk for a moment, in writing a note to my sister.” “Certainly; but I am afraid you find no proper materials for writing.” “O, yes. Here is a whole ream of paper on this shelf,” replied Hungerford. “But that is very poor paper. Let me provide you with some better.” Dr. Bilks had half a ream in his hand, which he had just purchased. He opened the package, and insisted that his unwelcome visitor should use some of it. “That is very good paper, doctor; but I like this better,” replied Eugene, as he folded up his note, which included an extra sheet, and hastily thrust it into an envelope. “Do me the favor to use some of this paper. It is a whim of mine; but you will indulge me,” added the doctor, whose ill-concealed emotion did not escape the keen glance of the visitor. “This paper exactly suits my purpose, doctor. I am very much obliged to you; but it is my whim to send the note just as I have written it.” Dr. Bilks would probably have said a great deal more if Parkinson had not at that moment entered the office, and interrupted the conversation. “I’ve been looking for you, Mr. Hungerford,” said the man. “Mrs. Hungerford sent me down to tell you that Mr. Lester, from Baltimore, had just arrived.”