“By no means, Dick. Dr. Bilks will yet hang himself.” “I do not doubt it, Hungerford. I have followed these developments far enough to know their bearing. Can you tell me of what I am accused?” “Simply of being an accessory after the fact.” “But what is the theory in men’s minds? What motives do they attribute to me?” “I have heard all that has been urged against you. The theory is, that you went with Buckstone to the island to procure the re-marriage of Mary and himself. You are a justice of the peace. Some say you went to marry the parties if Mary consented.” “That is a new idea to me.” “It is a mere supposition. While you were there, Buckstone was killed. Some think you were in the confidence of Ross, and helped do the deed.” “Then, of course, if I wanted to kill him, my designs upon Julia and her half million fall to the ground.” “Only a few take this view; and these the most ignorant and unreflecting. The general opinion is, that you sunk the body to conceal the crime of Ross, and without his knowledge. The justice who issued the warrant for your arrest takes this view.” “Including the diabolical idea that I chopped off the head of the dead man,” added Birch, with a shudder. “No one pretends to explain that.” “I might have done all the rest, in a good cause, but I couldn’t have done that. It makes me sick to think of it.” “Then don’t think of it.” “What shall be done, Hungerford?” “I hardly know. We can do nothing but wait. If you feel uncomfortable here, you can leave town for a week. The examination cannot take place till Dr. Bilks returns.” “I will not leave town. I will not shrink. I shall show myself every day to the people.” “Then attend to business as usual. Come up to Pine Hill----” “No, Hungerford!” “Attend to my affairs as usual. I shall build two more houses at the Port.” Dick would not dodge, even under the pressure to which he was subjected. Nothing could be done but wait the progress of events; and he devoted himself to the model houses, and other operations of Eugene. Dr. Bilks was absent a week. On the day before his return, Mr. Lester departed, thus depriving himself of the pleasure of meeting the man who loved justice better than he loved his friend; for this was the flourish with which Mr. Lester described him. During this week, Eugene had devoted himself principally to his guest, driving him to all the towns within ten miles of Poppleton, showing him the factories, the ship-yards, and the salt works, and taking him on the large yacht as far out to sea as Mr. Lester’s susceptible stomach would permit.